Taste the organic strawberry difference

Autumn signals the start of the strawberry growing season in northern Australia (so get started now), with southern regions of the country not far behind. The basics of good preparation and general growing advice is a good place to start and will give you the best chance of success.

Planning and planting

• Start with certified disease-free strawberry plants from a trusted nursery or online supplier – it’s the best way to avoid introducing viruses and other potential problems. Plant 10–20 plants to ensure a good return.
• Time your planting according to your climate. In the subtropics and tropics, plant April/May; warm temperate and arid zones, June/July; and cool temperate areas, September/October.
• It’s a good idea to replace old plants every two years or so, to keep things fresh and maintain high yields. Crop rotation is key – give your new strawberries a fresh bed to grow in.
• If you have existing plants, you can grow a new crop from their runners. Carefully separate the runners in the cool of the afternoon, snip off any scruffy leaves, and plant them right away. The resulting plants will appreciate a bit of shade for the first week or so while they settle in. If your regional planting time is still a few months away, grow your runners in pots until you’re ready.
• When planting strawberries, make sure the crown (central growing point) is just above soil level to avoid rot.
• Space plants 30–40cm apart to reduce humidity and help prevent fungal diseases.

Soil preparation

Strawberries like a rich, well-draining soil. Add plenty of compost and a handful of blood and bone per square metre for a nutrient-packed base. Check the pH – plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, so aim for a pH of 5.5–6.5. If it’s too high, incorporate sulphur (available from garden centres) to bring it down. Follow label instructions for amounts.

For more expert tips to help you have a successful strawberry harvest, get a copy of our Early Winter 2025 issue (OG 157), available here.