A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum Fruit Forum I bought blackberry, blueberry and strawberries tonight

I got two blackberry bushes, a blueberry bush and 10 strawberry roots. I am going to start them all inside.. just to get a jump start. The blueberry bush is already branching out. Yay!

I am not sure how to set my strawberries up outside yet.. does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to have to worry about them getting over run with weeds.. how big will they get per plant? Should I put them in a 'patch' type setting or put enough space between each one to be able to mow around it?
Sorry for the lack of knowledge here.

Go with a patch type garden for strawberries. That way you can use their runners as well. I plant mine in little rows so that they don't sit in water if we get heavy rain.

Just think of your strawberry patch as a small garden. Try start off with no weeds before you plant. and don't plant them too deep, the crowns need to sit at ground level.

Oh, I have Tri-Stars planted, they get about 8 inches by 8 inches in plant size. Leave room for air to circulate. I also added alot of compost and old manure before planting as well.

Thank you Tamara! What do you mean by the crown?

The part of the plant that sits just above the roots, don't bury that part. It has to sit on the ground with just the roots covered in soil.

Ok.. thank you! I still don't have our strawberry patch tilled.. I have to pay someone to come in and do it, cause hubby can't. He has to have back surgery.. so things have been stalled a little.. but I am hoping to get it done the next week or so..

When can I get them in the ground??

Not sure of your zone, but wait til the frost has passed first.

Oh and blueberries do better in an acid soil. I used to add dried up pine needles in the soil in the spring to them.

Prayers for your husband Jennifer.