How to Grow Strawberries in North Carolina: A Complete Guide

Strawberries are among the most beloved fruits in the world, cherished for their sweet, juicy flavor and versatility in culinary applications. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh, in desserts, or in smoothies, growing your own strawberries at home is a rewarding and fruitful endeavor. For gardeners in North Carolina, the state’s temperate climate, with its mild winters and warm summers, provides an ideal environment for growing strawberries. With proper care, planning, and attention to detail, you can enjoy bountiful harvests of fresh strawberries right from your own garden.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing strawberries in North Carolina, from choosing the right variety to planting, maintaining, and harvesting your strawberries. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first-time grower, this blog post will equip you with all the information you need for a successful strawberry garden in the Tar Heel State.

Why Grow Strawberries in North Carolina?

North Carolina is an ideal place for growing strawberries for several reasons. The state is located in USDA hardiness zones 7-8, which means it enjoys mild winters and long, warm growing seasons. These conditions are perfect for strawberries, which need a balance of cool temperatures in the spring and warm temperatures during the summer to thrive.

Strawberries are also relatively easy to grow, and North Carolina’s abundant rainfall, rich soil, and favorable climate conditions provide the perfect setting for these plants to flourish. By growing strawberries in your own garden, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh, flavorful fruit while saving money compared to purchasing store-bought strawberries.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety for North Carolina

The first step in growing strawberries in North Carolina is selecting the right variety for your garden. There are three main types of strawberries to consider:

1. June-Bearing Strawberries

June-bearing strawberries are the most traditional type of strawberry. They produce a large, concentrated harvest in early to mid-spring (usually around June). These strawberries are often the best choice for home gardeners because they produce a high yield of berries in a short amount of time.

Popular June-Bearing Varieties for North Carolina:

  • Chandler: Known for its large, sweet, and flavorful berries. It is a popular variety for both home gardeners and commercial growers in North Carolina.

  • Earliglow: One of the earliest varieties to bear fruit, Earliglow strawberries are smaller but very sweet and flavorful.

  • Camarosa: A late-season variety with large, firm berries and a good balance of sweetness and acidity.

2. Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests throughout the growing season, with one in late spring, another in summer, and a third in fall. This variety can be ideal for gardeners who want strawberries throughout the season rather than a single concentrated harvest.

Popular Everbearing Varieties:

  • Quinault: A reliable everbearing variety that produces large, juicy berries throughout the summer and fall.

  • Ozark Beauty: Known for its sweet, flavorful berries and its ability to produce fruit continuously from spring until frost.

3. Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit all season long, from spring to fall. They are not influenced by the length of daylight, unlike June-bearing and everbearing varieties. This variety is well-suited for gardeners who want a continuous supply of strawberries.

Popular Day-Neutral Varieties:

  • Albion: Known for its high yield and firm, sweet berries that continue to fruit throughout the summer and fall.

  • Seascape: Another excellent choice for day-neutral strawberries, producing sweet and juicy berries all season.

For North Carolina, June-bearing varieties tend to perform best, as they thrive in the state’s climate and provide a large harvest in the spring. However, everbearing and day-neutral varieties can also be great options if you prefer continuous production.

Preparing the Garden for Strawberries

Strawberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil, so it’s important to prepare your garden properly. Here’s how to create the best environment for your strawberries:

1. Soil Preparation

Strawberries prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, strawberries may struggle to grow properly. You can test your soil using a soil testing kit or by sending a sample to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture for analysis.

To prepare the soil:

  • Amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

  • Ensure good drainage by loosening the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Strawberries do not like sitting in wet soil, so well-draining soil is crucial.

  • Add fertilizers: If your soil test indicates deficiencies, you can add balanced fertilizers (such as 10-10-10) to provide the necessary nutrients for strong plant growth.

2. Choosing the Right Location

Strawberries require full sun to produce the best yields, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This will help promote strong growth and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Additionally, make sure the area has good air circulation to prevent disease. Avoid planting strawberries in low-lying areas where water tends to collect, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

3. Preparing Raised Beds or Rows

If your soil is heavy and clay-like, consider planting strawberries in raised beds. Raised beds improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and make it easier to maintain soil health.

  • If planting in rows, space the rows about 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

  • Within the rows, space the strawberry plants about 12-18 inches apart. This provides ample space for the plants to grow and prevents overcrowding.

Planting Strawberries

The best time to plant strawberries in North Carolina is early spring, after the last frost has passed. Planting in early spring allows the plants to establish themselves before the heat of summer.

1. Planting Bare-Root Strawberries

Bare-root strawberry plants are the most common type of strawberry plant sold for planting. When planting bare-root strawberries:

  1. Soak the roots in water for 2-3 hours before planting to rehydrate the plants.

  2. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots, and gently spread the roots out in the hole.

  3. Plant the strawberry so that the crown (the point where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface.

  4. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

2. Planting Potted Strawberries

If you’re planting potted strawberries, make sure to plant them at the same depth as they were in the pot. Gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen the roots if they are compacted, and place the plant in the hole.

3. Watering After Planting

Strawberries require consistent moisture to establish themselves. After planting, water the plants thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. As the plants grow, they will need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering.

Caring for Strawberry Plants

Once your strawberry plants are in the ground, they will require ongoing care to ensure they grow strong and produce a successful harvest.

1. Mulching

Strawberries benefit greatly from mulching. Mulch helps to:

  • Retain moisture in the soil

  • Prevent weed growth

  • Keep the fruit clean and free from soilborne diseases

Use organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants once they are established.

2. Fertilizing

Strawberries need regular feeding to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for fruiting plants, or organic options like fish emulsion or compost. Fertilize in early spring before the plants begin to grow actively and again after the first harvest to encourage continued fruit production.

3. Pruning and Removing Runners

Strawberry plants produce runners, or stolons, which are long stems that grow out from the main plant and form new plants. While these runners can be beneficial for increasing the number of plants, they can also divert energy away from fruit production.

  • In the first year of planting, remove most of the runners to allow the plant to focus on developing a strong root system.

  • In subsequent years, you can allow some runners to root to expand your strawberry patch.

Prune any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves to keep the plants healthy and to improve air circulation.

4. Pest and Disease Control

Strawberries can attract a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Some common diseases that affect strawberries include powdery mildew, gray mold, and leaf spot.

  • Pests: Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. Hand-pick larger pests like slugs and caterpillars.

  • Diseases: Ensure good air circulation around your plants by spacing them properly and pruning regularly. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

5. Protecting from Frost

Frost can damage strawberry plants, especially in the early spring when they are blooming. To protect your strawberries from frost, you can cover them with frost cloth or row covers when cold weather is expected.

Harvesting Strawberries

Strawberries typically take about 4-6 weeks from the time of flowering to reach maturity. You’ll know your strawberries are ready for harvest when they are fully red, ripe, and have a sweet fragrance. Don’t wait for the strawberries to be overripe, as they can become mushy and lose flavor.

To harvest:

  1. Gently grasp the strawberry and twist it off the stem, leaving the green cap attached to the fruit.

  2. Avoid pulling or yanking the berries, as this can damage the plant.

Harvest your strawberries early in the morning, when they are cool, to preserve their flavor and shelf life.


Growing strawberries in North Carolina is a gratifying experience that yields sweet, juicy fruit and enhances your garden with beauty and productivity. By choosing the right variety, preparing your soil, and providing the necessary care, you can enjoy fresh strawberries from your garden throughout the growing season.

Whether you’re growing strawberries for personal enjoyment or looking to increase the yield of your garden, following the steps outlined in this guide will help ensure your success. From planting and care to harvesting and troubleshooting, this guide provides everything you need to grow healthy and bountiful strawberry plants in North Carolina. Happy gardening, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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