How to Grow Delicious Strawberries in Georgia

Strawberries are a delicious and rewarding crop to grow at home in Georgia. With some planning and care, you can harvest buckets of juicy, sweet berries from your own backyard or garden plot. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow strawberries in Georgia.

Overview of Growing Strawberries in GA

Strawberries grow best in Georgia’s warmer climates of middle Georgia and south Georgia. The ideal conditions are lots of sun, well-drained soil, and mild winters without hard freezes. The matted row system works well in north Georgia, while the annual hill system is better for middle and south Georgia.

You’ll need to choose a variety suited for your region. Popular varieties include Chandler Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, and Earliglow. Always purchase certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery. Proper site preparation planting, fertilization, irrigation, and pest management will lead to healthy plants and delicious fruit.

How to Plant Strawberries in Georgia

Matted Row System for North Georgia

The matted row system involves setting plants 2 feet apart in rows 4 feet apart in spring. Runners fill in over summer to form 2 foot wide matted rows with a 2 foot aisle between rows. Flowers are removed the first year so plants establish. Fruit is harvested in year 2 and beyond.

• Space plants 2 feet apart in 2 rows 4 feet apart
• Allow runners to fill in a 2 foot wide mat between rows
• Remove flowers the first year so plants establish
• Harvest fruit in year 2 and subsequent years

Annual Hill System for Middle/South Georgia

The annual hill system involves setting plants 12 inches apart on raised beds in fall. Plants fruit the following spring and are then discarded. Chandler and Camarosa varieties work best.

• Space plants 12 inches apart in 2 rows on raised beds
• Cover beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation
• Set plants September-November
• Fruit harvested next spring; plants discarded after

Tips for Planting

• Prepare soil by tilling and adding fertilizer/lime weeks before planting
• Buy certified disease-free plants from reputable nursery
• Set plants at correct depth so crowns are just above soil
• Water plants well immediately after planting

Growing and Maintaining Healthy Strawberry Plants

• Control weeds carefully by hand pulling, hoeing, or mulching
• Water 1-1.5 inches per week if rain is insufficient
• Fertilize 3-4 times per year with balanced fertilizer
• Remove flowers and runners as needed in first year
• Renovate plants after harvest by mowing, thinning, and fertilizing
• Monitor for pests and diseases; treat as needed
• Use bird netting to protect fruit from birds

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Strawberries

• Harvest berries when fully red by gently twisting off fruit
• Pick berries every 2-3 days during peak season
• Store unwashed berries in refrigerator up to 3-5 days
• Enjoy fresh, freeze extras for later, or incorporate into recipes

With some diligent care throughout the seasons, you can grow buckets of juicy, flavorful strawberries in your own Georgia garden. The sweet taste of homegrown berries is well worth the effort. Follow this guide for success growing strawberries from planting to harvest.

Strawberries can be grown successfully in both pots and the ground, with each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages.