It’s strawberry planting season, and every year we see more home growers tempted by the idea of picking sweet, sun‑ripened strawberries straight from the garden. If you’re thinking about giving it a go but have a few questions before you buy your plants, you’re not alone.
To help you decide if strawberries are right for you (and your space), we’ve answered the most common questions we hear from customers before planting — so you can grow with confidence and enjoy strawberries for years to come.
Are strawberries easy to grow?
Yes — strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow at home, making them ideal for beginners.
They don’t need specialist care, complicated pruning or lots of space. As long as they’re given:
- Sunshine
- Regular watering
- Well‑drained soil or compost
they’ll happily get on with growing. Many gardeners start with strawberries because they’re so reliable and rewarding.
Do I need a garden to grow strawberries?
Not at all. One of the best things about strawberries is how versatile they are.
You can grow them:
- In garden beds or borders
- In raised beds
- In pots, grow bags or hanging baskets
- On patios, balconies and even sunny doorsteps
If you’re short on space, containers work particularly well and are a great option for keeping fruit clean and easy to pick.
How much sun do strawberry plants need?
Strawberries love the sun and grow best with around 6–8 hours of sunlight each day.
A sunny, sheltered spot will give you:
- Healthier plants
- Better flowering
- Sweeter, better‑flavoured fruit
If your garden isn’t sunny all day, aim for the brightest spot you have — even part‑sun areas can still produce a worthwhile crop.
When should I plant strawberry plants?
In the UK, strawberry plants can be planted at two main times:
- Spring, once the soil begins to warm
- Late summer to early autumn, allowing plants to establish before winter
Both work well, but autumn planting often results in stronger plants and heavier crops the following season.
Are strawberries better in pots or the ground?
Both are excellent options — it really comes down to your space and preference.
- In the ground: great for larger gardens and long‑term patches
- In pots or containers: ideal for patios, balconies and small gardens
Container‑grown strawberries are also easier to protect from slugs and can be moved into sunnier spots if needed.
How many strawberry plants do I need?
This depends on how many strawberries you’d like to pick, but as a rough guide:
- A few plants will give you enough for fresh picking
- Around 6–10 plants will provide regular harvests during the season
Strawberries are generous croppers, so even a small number of plants can give surprisingly good results.
Do strawberry plants come back every year?
Yes — strawberries are perennial plants, so they’ll come back year after year.
Most plants crop well for around 3–5 years, after which yields may start to decline. Many gardeners replace older plants with fresh ones or grow new plants from runners to keep harvests strong.
How much care do strawberries need?
Strawberries are fairly low‑maintenance, but they do benefit from a little attention:
- Water regularly, especially in dry spells
- Keep weeds at bay
- Protect ripening fruit from birds
That’s about it. With just a bit of routine care, strawberries will reward you with plenty of fruit.
Are strawberries suitable for beginners and families?
Absolutely. Strawberries are perfect for:
- First‑time gardeners
- Families growing with children
- Anyone wanting quick, visible results
They’re fun to grow, satisfying to harvest and a great way to get everyone involved in the garden.
Ready to start growing strawberries?
If you’ve been thinking about growing your own strawberries, there’s no better time to get started. With the right plants and a sunny spot, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh, home‑grown fruit.
Visit Kings Garden & Leisure in Exmouth or Sidmouth to choose from our selection of strawberry plants and growing essentials. Our friendly team is always happy to help you pick the right plants and offer advice to get you growing successfully.
For step‑by‑step growing advice, have a look at our How to Grow Strawberries at Home guide for everything you need once your plants are in the ground.