Recently, I posted about my first attempt at growing strawberries. I got several comments about how fun and relatively easy they are to grow, so I'm hoping to get some good advice now. Does anyone know what is wrong with this poor strawberry plant?



The other two are doing pretty well, but this one hasn't really grown new leaves, and the old ones are turning brown and dying rather quickly. Has anyone had this problem before?

My guesses:
1) I am over-watering.
2) I am under-watering.
3) It's not getting enough sun.

Currently, I'm experimenting by moving it to a sunnier spot and watering it less frequently. Any suggestions or tips about watering strawberries would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

8 comments

1. Eric Thomason on 5/19/2009 04:29:00 PM

   I doubt that you are over watering. Strawberries like plenty of water in my experience. It could simply be shock from the transplant. It looks like some new growth in the middle. I bet it will be ok.
   
   One other thought - if it is a transplant sometimes you have to get the water right to the base of the plant because the new roots haven't spread out enough yet. I mention that because in the picture the water isn't getting close enough for a newly transplanted plant.

    
2. Anonymous on 5/20/2009 01:12:00 PM

   I water my strawberries every single day and they also get hose run-off because I have a hose thats missing a washer so it actually gets water all the time! Shhhhh! It loves it though so really with Strawberries, the more water, the better! Atleast for mine..and they are in shade 50% of the day and full sun the other 50%. I added a couple photos of my strawberries on my page if you wanna see them.

    
3. Audrey on 5/20/2009 01:24:00 PM

   Thanks Eric and Beth. Your comments are very helpful. I won't hold back on watering from now on. Hopefully my strawberry plant will rally and grow some delicious fruit this summer.

    
4. Aagaard Farms on 5/21/2009 06:01:00 AM

   I wouldn't worry toooo much - plants want to grow and will always help you out!! Is it possible the crown of this plant got planted a little deep? It may struggle but will make new shoots pretty quick (as soon as some roots are established)

    
5. Kelly on 6/05/2009 01:16:00 PM

   Strawberries like loamy soil (sandy) - try adding some sand to your soil and replanting.

    
6. Audrey on 6/05/2009 03:30:00 PM

   Thanks Kelly! I'll definitely try that for my one strawberry that's still struggling.

    
7. Anonymous on 7/02/2010 03:57:00 AM

   hi some of my strawberrys distorted but can i still eat them,
   some say they only good for jam,
   but i dont want to make jam lol
   steve

    
8. Anonymous on 7/02/2012 05:42:00 PM

   The shape of the strawberries isn't perfect and round? Welcome to the reality of strawberries. Eat up!