How to Plant Strawberries in Texas
Texas-grown strawberries require a renovation process after harvest is complete to increase the lifespan and berry production of the plant. According to Texas A&M University, June-bearing strawberry varieties grow best in Texas. Plant June-bearing strawberries in late fall through early winter for a spring harvest. Fruit will begin to ripen in Texas during the month of February and continue through May if the weather stays cool.
Work 3 to 4 inches of organic compost into the planting area with a tiller to a depth of 10 inches. Choose a planting location that has a well-draining soil and receives full sun.
Test the planting soil with a pH test kit as strawberries grow best in a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Work ground rock sulfur into the area at least two weeks prior to planting to lower the soil pH. Water the soil well after amending.
- Texas-grown strawberries require a renovation process after harvest is complete to increase the lifespan and berry production of the plant.
Apply an 8-8-8 starter fertilizer and work it into the soil to a dept of 6 inches. Set the strawberry plants into the soil so the crown is above ground level. Gently cover the roots to hold the plants. Space strawberry plants 18 to 30 inches apart.
Mulch around the plants with a clean wheat straw to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Irrigate the strawberry plants when the weekly rainfall amounts are less than one inch. Apply water at ground level and monitor closely to prevent standing water around the crown and root of the plant.
- Apply an 8-8-8 starter fertilizer and work it into the soil to a dept of 6 inches.
- Mulch around the plants with a clean wheat straw to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Cut strawberry blossoms from the plant during the first year of growth. This will promote runner development and increase berry production in year two and after.
Renovate established strawberry plants after each year’s harvest. Remove foliage to 1 inch above the crown with a mower. Do not cut or damage the crown of the plant. Remove strawberry plants so there is a 6-inch space between each plant and narrow the rows to 12 inches apart by digging and moving with a tiller.
Apply 1 inch of mulch around the plants after renovation and apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
- Cut strawberry blossoms from the plant during the first year of growth.
- Apply 1 inch of mulch around the plants after renovation and apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
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Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
