The intended use largely determines the planting distance of strawberries. A distance that is too close is just as counterproductive as a distance that is too large. The following overview provides the most important data for beds and balconies.
What planting distance do strawberries need?
The ideal planting distance for strawberries varies depending on the variety and growing location: for large-growing varieties (e.g. 'Sweet Mary') the distance is 30-45 cm, for small-growing varieties (e.g. wild strawberries) 20-25 cm and for ground cover 4 -5 plants per square meter. Row spacing of 60 cm is recommended in the bed.
The correct planting distance in the bed
Traditionally, hobby gardeners plant their strawberries in the garden. Here they either assign the plants their own bed or plant them in mixed culture. Since every square centimeter of cultivation space is usually used in allotments, the optimal planting distance is always of interest. These distances have proven themselves:
- Large varieties, such as 'Sweet Mary': 30-45 cm
- Small varieties, such as wild strawberries: 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 a friendly plant neighbor for numerous crops, hobby gardeners like to plant them in mixed cultures. When measuring the distance, individual circumstances must be taken into account. The sun-loving strawberry plants must under no circumstances be placed under the shade of their surroundings. In a bed with lilies of the valley or marigolds, this aspect requires less attention than in the vicinity of bush beans or leeks.
The gap can shrink here
When growing strawberries in raised beds, a permanently bent back when planting and caring for them is definitely a thing of the past. In addition, this form of cultivation scores with extremely effective use of the bed area. Especially in raised beds with curved soil, the average planting distance can be shortened by at least 5 centimeters.
The correct planting distance on the balcony
Strawberries thrive perfectly in a planter on a sunny balcony. Since hobby gardeners don't want to waste space here, the following distances should be maintained:
- Hanging strawberries in the hanging basket: 25-30 cm
- Wild strawberries in the balcony box: 15-20 cm
- Large-fruited strawberry varieties in the flower box: 25-30 cm
If you prefer cultivating climbing strawberries in a planter box with an integrated trellis, a planting distance of 25-30 centimeters is also recommended.
Tips & Tricks
A creatively designed kitchen garden cannot do without pretty flowerbed borders. Instead of the classic border made of Buxus, 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.