A raised bed scores points for the cultivation of strawberries with numerous advantages, such as back-friendly care and a significantly higher harvest yield compared to the flat bed. Follow our practical guide to proper planting here.

Layer by layer to the perfect potting soil

One of the special attributes of a raised bed is the flexibility in putting together the filling. While the possibilities for improving the soil in the flat bed are limited, the soil in the raised bed is composed specifically to the requirements of heavily consuming strawberry plants. Experienced raised bed gardeners advocate this layering:

  • First layer: Drainage made of inorganic materials, such as potsherds or gravel, thinly covered with topsoil
  • Second layer: Clippings from hedges and trees, such as branches, twigs or small pieces of roots, mixed with soil
  • Third layer: Leaves and green cuttings with garden soil
  • Fourth layer: Mixture of compost, topsoil, sand, vegetable soil and rotted manure

The raised bed should be filled at least four weeks before the planting date so that the materials can settle.

Planting the raised bed with strawberries

On the selected planting date in July/August or March/April, the soil in the raised bed is thoroughly loosened again. How to properly plant strawberries:

  • soak the root ball in water or diluted horsetail broth for an hour
  • dig a planting hole with 1.5 times the volume of the root ball
  • insert the strawberry plant so deep that the heart bud is just above the surface of the earth
  • Position bare-root young plants vertically without buckling the roots
  • Water generously and mulch with bark mulch, pine needles or straw

The perfect planting distance depends on the variety. Weak-growing strawberries are content with a distance of 20 centimeters, while strong-growing plants should keep a distance of 30 centimeters. In a mixed culture, an even greater distance is recommended if shadows are cast by neighboring plants. A row spacing of 40 to 60 centimeters has proven effective.

tips and tricks

Very few hobby gardeners create a raised bed exclusively for growing strawberries. Since the plants get along well with a large number of neighbors, there is nothing to be said against a balanced mixed culture. Lettuce, leeks, spinach, parsley and onions are recommended. Marigolds, marigolds and lilies of the valley offer something for the eye.

Category:

Vegetable garden