How and When to Harvest Strawberries

A close up horizontal image of a hand from the left of the frame picking ripe strawberries from the garden.

Strawberries are heavenly when you pick them off the plant at the peak of ripeness. More than many other fruits, they have a very narrow window and you need to act fast when they’re ready. Otherwise, you risk pulling them when they’re young and bitter, or old and mushy. Here’s how and when to harvest strawberries.

How to Put Strawberry Plants to Bed for the Winter

A close up horizontal image of a strawberry plant growing in the garden under a thin layer of snow.

Strawberries are suited to cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. With the proper winter care, hardy varieties can come back year after year and yield abundant harvests of sweet and juicy berries. Learn how to prepare and protect your strawberry plants during the winter months in this guide. Read more now.

How to Control Gray Mold (Botrytis Rot) on Strawberries

A close up of strawberries growing in the garden, the one on the left is infected by Botrytis and is covered in a gray mold that is spreading to the ripe fruit beside it.

Gray mold on strawberries is a disease caused by Botrytis that is very common throughout the world, and difficult to control. The fungus is even resistant to most fungicides. Read more now to learn what steps you can take to control this potentially devastating fungus, and prevent it from ruining your harvest.

35 of the Best Strawberry Varieties for Home Gardeners

A close up of bright red, ripe strawberries hanging from the branch on a soft focus background.

Want to grow your own strawberries? There’s a huge variety of cultivars to choose from, from tiny alpines to juicy giants, in shades of red, white, yellow, and even purple. Some offer extra disease resistance, or stunning flowers. To make your selection a little easier, check out our roundup of top picks now.

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Strawberries at Home

It’s really sad when you purchase a good-looking batch of strawberries only to find them bland, tart, or worse – nothing but mush. Have you tried growing your own? As a cold hardy perennial, you’ll be surprised how little is involved in growing a plant or two for some delicious snacking. Read more on Gardener’s Path.