Instruction for Planting Frigo Strawberry Plants in the Ground and on a Balcony

IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FRIGO STRAWBERRIES, REMEMBER THAT THESE ARE BARE-ROOT STRAWBERRY PLANTS STORED IN COLD CONDITIONS. THE PLANTS ARE DORMANT AND PROTECTED AGAINST GREY MOULD. AFTER PLANTING, THEY GROW QUICKLY AND PRODUCE FRUIT AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5–6 WEEKS.

How to plant Frigo strawberries in the ground?

The optimal soil pH for most strawberry varieties is 5.2–5.8. If the pH is below 5, the soil can be deacidified by applying lime in the form of agricultural chalk. Once the soil is properly prepared, you can begin planting the strawberry plants.

1. Level the beds using a rake.
2. Maintain a distance of 50–60 cm between rows and 30–35 cm between plants within the rows.

3. Place the plants in the soil by hand or using a dibber like the one used for planting cabbage. The hole must be large enough to allow the roots to spread freely.
4. The correct planting method is shown in the illustration.
   
5. Before planting, you may trim the root bundle with a sharp knife to make handling easier, but do not shorten the roots too much.
6. Cover the roots with soil and press it down firmly so that a small basin forms around the plant, making watering easier.

How to plant Frigo strawberries on a balcony?

Pots should be at least 25 cm in diameter. Place a drainage layer made of gravel or another material at the bottom of the container. Only then fill it with soil suitable for growing strawberries.

The substrate must be sufficiently fertile. Before planting young strawberries, humus-rich soil (such as universal garden soil) should be mixed with compost, horticultural peat and a bit of sand, fine gravel or expanded clay. The soil pH for growing strawberries should be neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Strawberries should not be planted too deeply, as the lower parts of the shoots may begin to rot.

After planting, the strawberries should be watered generously. They should be placed in a sunny location, for example on a south- or southwest-facing balcony. In the shade, strawberries bloom poorly and the fruits do not ripen well.

Caring for Frigo strawberries on a balcony – watering and fertilising

Strawberry plants require regular watering. Their water demand is especially high during flowering and fruit formation. Strawberries grown on a balcony should always be watered into the saucer or directly onto the soil without wetting the entire plant. Wet stems, leaves and flowers can quickly develop fungal diseases. It is also necessary to feed strawberries with fertiliser, preferably a liquid fertiliser designed for vegetables and fruiting plants.