Garden strawberries are excellent for both covering the ground and for growing fruit. If you’re planning out a forest garden, or are just looking for a plant to use as ground cover, strawberries are a great option.
The following is an excerpt from The Home-Scale Forest Garden by Dani Baker. It has been adapted for the web.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been experimenting with different ground covers in my garden for years, and I gotta tell you – strawberry plants as ground cover are absolutely amazing! Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about using these sweet little plants to transform those boring bare patches into beautiful, productive spaces.
Why Choose Strawberry Plants as Ground Cover?
Let me tell ya why strawberries are such a fantastic choice:
- They’re dual-purpose champions – you get both ground coverage AND tasty fruits
- Most varieties stay evergreen, giving year-round coverage
- They naturally spread through runners, filling spaces quickly
- They’re easier to remove than aggressive ground covers like ivy
- They produce pretty white flowers that attract pollinators
- They help prevent soil erosion on slopes
- They actually suppress weeds (how cool is that?)
Best Strawberry Varieties for Ground Cover
Through my gardening adventures, I’ve found these varieties work best:
Native Species
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Beach/Coastal Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)
- Super glossy, dark evergreen leaves
- Tight, ground-hugging growth
- Bright white flowers
- Great for tough conditions
-
Woodland Strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
- Deeply veined leaves with pointed leaflets
- Flowers stand tall above foliage
- Perfect for partially shaded areas
- One of the best ground covers available
-
Mountain Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
- Shorter flower stalks
- More hidden blooms
- Light green leaves
- Hardy and adaptable
Growing Tips for Success
Soil Requirements
- Well-drained, fertile soil
- pH between 5.5 and 6.0
- Add organic matter for clay soils
- Keep soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged)
Planting and Maintenance
-
Initial Planting:
- Plant in spring
- Keep crown at ground level
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Water thoroughly after planting
-
Ongoing Care:
- Top-dress with compost annually
- Mulch with straw to retain moisture
- Water during hot spells
- Let runners grow to fill spaces
- Trim edges when they spread too far
Pro Tips from My Experience
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
-
For Dense Coverage:
- Don’t remove runners like you would when growing for fruit
- Let plants naturally spread
- Fill gaps by directing runners where needed
-
Managing Growth:
- Edge beds regularly to prevent spreading where unwanted
- Share trimmed runners with gardening friends
- Use trimmings to start new patches
-
Dealing with Problem Areas:
- Perfect for replacing weedy areas
- Lay runners over bare spots
- Add light layer of compost
- Water well and watch them grow!
Creative Ways to Use Strawberry Ground Cover
-
Between Stepping Stones:
- Softens hardscaping
- Handles light foot traffic
- Adds interest to pathways
-
Under Trees and Shrubs:
- Creates natural woodland look
- Prevents grass competition
- Adds understory interest
-
On Slopes:
- Controls erosion
- Creates attractive coverage
- Easier maintenance than grass
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Crowding
- Solution: Regular edge trimming
- Divide plants every 2-3 years
- Share divisions with friends
Challenge 2: Reduced Fruiting
- Expected after first couple years
- Focus on ground cover benefits
- Consider mixing varieties for extended fruiting
Challenge 3: Winter Protection
- Apply straw mulch in cold regions
- Remove mulch in spring
- Most varieties are surprisingly hardy
Real Garden Success Story
I recently helped my client John transform his weedy patch using woodland strawberries. He emailed me saying, “The density of plants we want is suppressing weeds effectively. The growth of the wild strawberries this year is amazing!” That’s exactly what we love to hear!
Final Thoughts
Using strawberry plants as ground cover is seriously one of the smartest gardening moves you can make. They’re pretty, practical, and hey – you might even get some berries for your morning cereal! Just remember to give them good soil, regular water when establishing, and let them do their thing.
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Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Growing Garden Strawberries: Ground Covers
A basic principle of perennial gardening is to keep the ground covered with something, preferably something living, everywhere and always. Ground cover helps modulate soil temperature, absorb and preserve moisture, and nurture soil life.
Many of the plants described in this chapter can perform these functions for you admirably while simultaneously supplying nutritious edibles, attracting beneficial insects, and enhancing the aesthetics of your landscape.
As you learn about my experience with each, I am confident you will find some that are suited to your garden vision and habitats.
I am fond of strawberries as a ground cover, particularly the everbearing varieties. These low-growing plants flower and fruit throughout the growing season, beginning in June.
Some produce berries in prodigious amounts while others provide a delightful nibble as I wander through the garden.
Why We Use Strawberries As Ground Cover In Our Food Forest
FAQ
Are strawberry plants a good ground cover?
Strawberry plants make a great ground cover with a bonus. Just to be clear, the bonus is fresh strawberries.
Will strawberries choke out grass?
They can quickly overtake grass, flowers, and even beds of groundcovers.