Where Can I Find Strawberry Plants For Fall Planting?
Ron Asked
Where can I find strawberry plants for fall planting?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Ron: It may be hard to find strawberry plants in a garden center this time of year. At this point it is better to wait until next March-April to plant. Fall planting of strawberries is discouraged because of potential damage caused by freezing and thawing of the soil. Buying disease-resistant cultivars from a reputable source will ensure that you are getting quality plants that will provide delicious fruit. You might call around to your local garden centers to see which cultivars they usually carry. That way you can decide which kind you would like to grow and get the soil ready for spring planting. There would be no benefit to planting them now since they will not fruit until next season. We can plant them before our frost-free date in early May. There will be plenty of time in the early spring to get them planted, and for the plants to get their roots settled before the hot weather arrives. Choose a space in the garden where they will receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. They will benefit from a soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. For more information on preparing the soil and growing strawberries in Kentucky, visit www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ho/ho16/ho16.pdf. If you need local suggestions, contact the Garrard County agriculture/horticulture agent(s) at (859) 792-3026.
