“What is the best soil and advice for growing strawberries?” Question from Melody of Lewiston, Maine

Answer: Strawberries grow best in soil that is well-drained, moisture retentive, light, and high in organic matter. A soil with a slightly acid pH, between 5.5 to 6.5, is ideal. Amending your soil with Black Gold Garden Soil, Peat Moss, or Compost Blend will boost your soil for strawberry growing.

Folks living in colder zones like yours should plant strawberries in a warm, sunny location that is not too exposed. Your strawberries should also be protected from late-spring frosts for better fruiting. Protecting plants with a layer of straw can help. It’s also wise to choose an extra winter-hardy strawberry variety. According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service,  ‘Allstar’, ‘Bounty’, ‘Catskill’, ‘Earliglow‘, ‘Guardian‘, ‘Lateglow’, ‘Midway’, ‘Mira’, ‘Mohawk’, ‘Northeaster‘, and ‘Surecrop’ are the best strawberry varieties to grow in your state.

For more growing advice, I recommend you read the Black Gold article, Growing Strawberries with Success. Our video about strawberry growing (below) will also help you successfully grow these fruits.

Happy strawberry growing!

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist