Climbing strawberries rarely call for a kneel, as their conspecifics incessantly do. The following instructions show you how to plant this most convenient variant of a strawberry in the bed and on the balcony.

Which site conditions are considered ideal?

Almost every strawberry variety is suitable for cultivation as a climbing strawberry due to the long tendrils. As a result, the following classic light and ground conditions apply here:

  • sunny to partially shaded location
  • protected from pounding rain and strong winds
  • nutrient-rich, humus-rich, well-drained soil
  • minimally acidic pH of 6 to 7
  • no cultivation of strawberries in the previous 3-4 years
  • Option for attaching the vines to a climbing aid such as a fence or trellis

As a substrate for pots and flower boxes (€16.99), high-quality potting soil based on compost is ideal, which is given a slightly acidic character by adding peat or ericaceous soil.

Effortless planting in the bed

At the chosen location, the soil is prepared a few weeks before the actual planting, as climbing strawberries have a hard time in freshly dug soil. Dig up the bed soil in good time so that it can settle over a period of at least 14 days. On this occasion, work in about 5 liters of compost per square meter of cultivation area as a start fertilizer or an alternative organic or mineral berry fertilizer. (3.94 €)

Two planting dates in March/April or July/August are recommended. After the root balls of the young plants are soaked with water, they are placed in the ground at a distance of 25-30 centimeters. The heart bud must still be visible. If there are already long tendrils, they are attached to the climbing aid. Finally pour generously.

Plant climbing strawberries on the balcony without any problems

Choose a sufficiently large planter that offers the roots enough volume. A plant box with an integrated trellis, a bucket with an obelisk or a pyramid is ideal. A water drain in the bottom of the container is also essential. With the following steps you can plant the climbing strawberries in no time at all:

  • Create a drainage made of potsherds over the floor opening
  • Half fill the substrate and insert the young strawberries
  • distribute the remaining soil around the root ball in such a way that the heart bud remains free
  • repeatedly press the substrate with your fist to avoid voids
  • allow for a planting distance of approx. 25 centimetres
  • finally water well

Now attach the first tendrils to the climbing aid in order to steer them in the desired direction right from the start.

tips and tricks

Climbing strawberries like a slightly acidic substrate. Ice-cold, hard water from the tap is therefore extremely unsuitable for watering the sensitive plants. Use collected rainwater instead. Alternatively, fill a 10 liter watering can with tap water and hang a cotton sack with 1 liter of peat in it. After 2-3 days, the lime content has reduced significantly.

Category:

Vegetable garden