The intended use largely determines the planting distance of strawberries. Too short a distance is just as counterproductive as too large a distance. The following overview provides the most important data for beds and balconies.
The right planting distance in the bed
Traditionally, amateur gardeners plant their strawberries in the garden. Here they either assign the plants their own bed or settle them in a mixed culture. Since every square centimeter of cultivation area is usually stingy with in allotment gardens, the optimal planting distance is always of interest. These distances have proven themselves:
- Tall varieties such as 'Sweet Mary': 30-45 cm
- Small varieties, such as the wild strawberry: 20-25 cm
- Ground cover: 4-5 plants per square meter
The row spacing is ideally 60 cm, so that you have enough space to care for your strawberry plants.
Keep your distance when shadows are cast
Since strawberries are considered friendly plant neighbors for numerous useful plants, hobby gardeners like to plant them in mixed cultures. When measuring the distance, the individual circumstances must be taken into account. The sun-loving strawberry plants must not fall under the shadow of their surroundings. In a bed together with lilies of the valley or marigolds, this aspect requires less attention than in the vicinity of French beans or leeks.
Here the gap can shrink
When growing strawberries in a raised bed, a permanently bent back when planting and tending is finally a thing of the past. In addition, this form of cultivation scores with an extremely effective use of the bed area. The average planting distance can be reduced by at least 5 centimeters, especially in raised beds with curved soil.
The right planting distance on the balcony
Strawberries thrive in a planter on a sun-drenched balcony. Since hobby gardeners do not want to waste any space here, the following distances should be maintained:
- Hanging strawberries in the traffic light: 25-30 cm
- Wild strawberries in balcony boxes: 15-20 cm
- Large-fruited strawberry varieties in flower boxes: 25-30 cm
If you prefer the cultivation of climbing strawberries in a planter with an integrated trellis, a planting distance of 25-30 centimeters is also recommended here.
tips and tricks
A creatively laid out kitchen garden cannot do without pretty bed borders. Instead of the classic boxwood border, resourceful hobby gardeners plant monthly strawberries here. The tame relatives of wild strawberries hardly form any runners, bloom almost all summer long and deliver a fruity harvest.