Strawberries in Peakley Hill

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry
Strawberry · Fragaria × ananassa

A hardy perennial fruit that does well in most UK gardens. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil or compost, and keep it watered while the roots settle and the fruit swells.

25 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Peakley Hill · last frost ≈ 30 Apr

Plant out March to May, harvest June to July. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Strawberry

  1. 01

    Plant Runners

    31 Mar to 14 May

    Plant bare-root runners around 31st March - 14th May in well-prepared soil. Set the crowns at soil level, space plants apart, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  2. 02

    Water to Establish Roots

    22 Apr to 26 Oct

    Keep the soil evenly moist from 22nd April through the first growing season, especially in dry spells. Water at the base rather than over the leaves to help avoid mould and fruit rot.

  3. 03

    Mulch and Feed

    16 Apr to 14 May every 365 days

    From 16th April, mulch around the plants with well-rotted compost or manure, leaving the crown clear. Repeat every 365 days to hold moisture in and support fruiting.

  4. 04

    Net Plants

    14 Jun to 24 Jun

    Put netting over the plants from 14th June before the fruits start to colour. Fix it well clear of the foliage so birds cannot reach the berries.

  5. 05

    Harvest Fruit

    14 Jun to 14 Jul

    Pick ripe berries from 14th June as soon as they are fully coloured and come away easily. Harvest regularly over 14th June - 14th July, and pick in the morning for the best flavour.

  6. 06

    Remove Runners

    14 Jul to 29 Jul

    From 14th July, lift or cut away unwanted runners after harvest so the plant puts its energy into next year’s crop. Keep a few strong runners if you want to replace older plants.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Strawberry.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Strawberry to consider

Mara des Bois

A fragrant, late-cropping type with a good dessert flavour.

Cambridge Favourite

A reliable early variety for open ground and containers.

Hapil

A strong-cropping mid-season variety with large, glossy fruit.

Florence

A late-season variety that crops well and usually holds fruit for longer.

Strawberry guides by town

See how Strawberry timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.