To get the **highest yield** from your strawberries, you'll need to focus on proper **planting, maintenance, and environmental conditions** throughout the growing season. Here’s a step-by-step guide: ### **1. Choose the Right Variety** - **June-bearing:** Large, single harvest in early summer (best for large yields). - **Everbearing:** Two to three smaller harvests throughout the season. - **Day-neutral:** Produces berries continuously in favorable conditions. ### **2. Optimize Planting Conditions** - **Soil:** Well-drained, loamy soil with pH 5.5–6.8. Add compost to enrich nutrients. - **Sunlight:** Full sun (6–10 hours per day). - **Spacing:** 12–18 inches apart in rows 2–3 feet apart. - **Raised Beds or Mounds:** Improves drainage and prevents root rot. ### **3. Watering and Fertilizing** - **Watering:** Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; 1–1.5 inches per week. - **Mulching:** Use straw, wood chips, or plastic mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. - **Fertilizer:** - Apply **balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 5-10-10)** in early spring. - **Avoid high nitrogen** after flowering, or you'll get more leaves than berries. - Use **compost tea or fish emulsion** for organic feeding. ### **4. Pruning & Runner Management** - **First Year:** Remove flowers for stronger roots. - **Runners:** Remove most runners to encourage bigger berries (leave 2–3 per plant if expanding). - **After Harvest:** Trim old leaves but keep healthy crowns. ### **5. Pest & Disease Control** - **Common Pests:** Slugs, aphids, spider mites, and birds. - **Solutions:** - Use **row covers** to protect from birds. - Neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests. - Diatomaceous earth for slug control. - **Common Diseases:** Gray mold, powdery mildew, and root rot. - Ensure **good air circulation**. - Use **straw mulch** to keep berries off damp soil. ### **6. Winter Care** - **Mulch heavily** (4 inches of straw or leaves) after the first frost. - **Remove mulch** in spring when plants start growing again. ### **7. Rotation & Renewal** - **Rotate crops** every 3–4 years to prevent soil disease. - **Replant new strawberry beds** every 3 years for peak productivity. With **consistent care, pruning, and optimal soil conditions**, you’ll get **large, sweet, and abundant strawberries every season**! 🍓