Strawberries can be grown throughout the state of Georgia.  They are successful for small-scale home production or roadside sales.  This is an SAE that can be done for one year or for several years.  Your product may be enjoyed by family and friends, or sold for profit. 

Getting Stared 

Choosing a site:
The site must be in an area that receives full sun most or all of the day.  The best soil should be fertile, well drained, and medium-light in texture.

Irrigation:
Choose a site that has water available.  Irrigation can be done with a garden hose or a larger bed may require a more elaborate irrigation system that could be built from pvc pipe and sprinkler heads.

Soil preparation:
A soil test should be done prior to planting.  Follow the soil test recommendations for ph and fertility.

Annual Hill System or Matted Row System:
In northern Georgia strawberries may be grown in the annual hill system or matted row system.  In southern Georgia the annual hill system is suggested. 

Matted Row System- North Georgia
Dormant bare root plants (Cardinal or Surecrop varieties) are planted in the spring.  Soil is tilled and allowed to settle.  Rows are planted 4 feet apart and plants within the row should be 2 feet apart.

During the summer strawberries should be allowed to develop runners in a matted row.  Flowers should be removed in the spring.  All weeds should be removed; mulch could help control weeds and conserve moisture.

One or two applications of fertilizer may be needed during the summer. Soil tests should be used to determine the need for fertilizer. Fungicides and insecticides may be needed to protect the plants.

The first year is used to develop rows.  Remove any runners between the rows.  Allow the runners to develop between the plants within the row. 

Harvesting will take place in May and June of the second year.  As soon as harvesting is finished, the rows must be renovated by mowing the leaves from the plants.  Old mother plants and any plants outside the 2-foot wide bed should be removed.  Soil test and apply recommended fertilizer.  Keep weeds down and irrigate as needed.  Follow a similar schedule for subsequent years. 

Annual Hill System- Middle and South Georgia
Planting in the fall and harvesting the next spring reduces the chance of crop destruction by disease.  The Chandler variety is suggested for the hill system.  Beds should be made that are 26 inches wide and 6 inches high at the shoulder. The center of the bed should be 8 inches high.  Two rows of plants are planted on each bed.  The rows should be 12 inches apart and plants 12 inches apart in the row.  There should be a 22-inch aisle between beds.  Apply 3 pounds of 10-10-10 with micronutrients per 100 square feet of bed.  A black plastic mulch is often used on beds with drip irrigation under the plastic.   Bare root or container grown plants should be planted between September 15 and November 15.  Plants should be kept moist until established.

Written by Myron Sellars

Disease:
Strawberries are very susceptible to many diseases. Plants should be closely monitored for problems.

Bird Damage:
Birds are attracted to strawberries and a bird net may be needed for protection.

Marketing:
Strawberries can be sold directly to the consumer by the grower or sold wholesale to roadside markets and grocery stores. Before planting, a marketing strategy should be considered and related to the amount of production planned.

Grown Strawberries- Georgia Extension Service Bulletin.

Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association

Strawberry plants available at www.strawberryplants.com