July 16, 2025, 8:48 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In principle, growing strawberries in the garden or on the balcony is not complicated. However, to collect many sweet fruits, it’s important to regularly care for the plants. This article informs hobby gardeners about what matters for strawberries in the summer and which mistakes to avoid.
1. Watering at the Wrong Time
On hot summer days, avoid watering strawberries during the day, especially at midday. As Geo reports, the water evaporates too quickly to be absorbed by the plants. It’s better to water them in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.
2. Fertilizing Too Infrequently
To best support strawberries in growth and in flower and fruit formation, balanced fertilization is essential. Typically, plants are fertilized before flowering, which for most types occurs in spring. With strawberries, it’s different: They form their flower buds the previous year. Therefore, strawberries should be fertilized after the harvest in late summer.
Alpine strawberries are a special case. They have been bred to bloom and bear fruit repeatedly from May to October. Because of this, their nutrient needs are particularly high. Hobby gardeners should fertilize them every two weeks.
Also interesting: Should you wash strawberries with baking soda?
3. Not Removing Old Straw
To protect strawberries from moisture, dirt, and rot, many hobby gardeners use straw. This helps avoid direct contact with the ground. After the last harvest, the straw should be removed and disposed of, as it may contain spores. Reusing it would be a mistake.
The Right Time to Plant Strawberries in Spring
Gardening Tasks to Tackle in July
What to Do When Strawberry Leaves Turn Yellow
4. Incorrect Harvesting Technique
Summer is harvest time. Those who grow different varieties—especially everbearing ones—can enjoy garden strawberries from May to October. The correct harvesting technique is crucial. Simply pulling the fruit is incorrect. It’s better to cleanly cut the strawberry with a knife to avoid damaging the plant too much.