## My strawberry growing adventure
I'm here to share a story with you about growing strawberries at home. It all started when I went to the grocery store to buy some fresh strawberries, but to my disappointment, I couldn't find any. 

I was so frustrated because I knew that it was the start of the strawberry season and I had a craving for the juicy, sweet fruit.

![Strawberries](/images/articles/en/home/grow-strawberries-home/1-5.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Delicious strawberries.</div>

At that moment, I had a lightbulb moment and decided that I would grow my own strawberries instead of relying on the store to have them. 

So, I went to a local nursery and bought some high-quality strawberry plants. I was so excited to start my own strawberry garden and finally have a steady supply of fresh strawberries.

I made sure to choose a sunny spot in my garden for the plants and prepared the soil by adding compost and other organic matter. I carefully planted each strawberry plant, making sure to space them properly and give them enough room to grow.

![Strawberries](/images/articles/en/home/grow-strawberries-home/2-5.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Red strawberry.</div>

As the weeks went by, I tended to my strawberry plants, making sure they had enough water, sunlight, and nutrients. And finally, after months of care and patience, my strawberries started to ripen and I was able to enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits of my labor.

From that day on, I never had to worry about not being able to find fresh strawberries at the store again. Growing my own strawberries was not only a fun and rewarding experience, but it also provided me with a steady supply of delicious, healthy fruit.

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## Tips
I want to share with you some important tips for growing healthy and productive strawberries at home.

First and foremost, strawberries love the sun. Make sure to choose a location in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight, at least 6 hours per day if possible. This will help your strawberries grow strong and produce plenty of juicy, sweet fruit.

Next, it's important to make sure your strawberries get enough water. Water your plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. It's best to water your strawberries when the soil starts to dry out.

<hr>

Pruning is another important aspect of growing healthy strawberries. Prune off any flower stalks that form in the first year and remove any runners (new shoots that grow from the base of the plant) to promote a healthy, productive mother plant. 

By pruning your strawberries, you'll encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing fruit, rather than growing leaves and stems.

Finally, it's important to keep your strawberries off the ground. This will help prevent fungal diseases and pests from damaging your plants. You can achieve this by using a raised garden bed or by planting your strawberries in pots.

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## Harvest
There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, sweet strawberry that you've grown yourself. But, there's a bit of a trick to harvesting your strawberries at just the right time to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness.

Here's the key: The redder the strawberry, the sweeter it will be. While it may be tempting to pick your strawberries as soon as they start to turn red, it's important to wait until they're fully ripe. Ripe strawberries will be a deep red color and will have a sweet fragrance. They should come off the plant easily when you gently tug on them.

> Harvest Happiness: The Redder, The Sweeter Your Strawberries Will Be

It's also important to check your strawberries regularly and pick them as soon as they're ripe. This will help ensure that the fruit stays sweet and flavorful, and it will also encourage your plants to produce more fruit.

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## How many to plant?
The number of strawberry plants you need to plant in order to have a good supply will depend on several factors, including the size of your garden, your family's appetite for strawberries, and your growing conditions.

![Strawberries](/images/articles/en/home/grow-strawberries-home/3-5.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Strawberries I bought at the nursery.</div>

As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to harvest about 1 quart of strawberries per plant each season. If you have a small family and only want to enjoy strawberries as a occasional treat, then planting 4-6 plants should be enough. If you have a larger family or want to preserve some of your strawberries for later, then you may want to plant 10-12 plants.

If you have limited space, consider planting strawberries in pots or raised garden beds. This will allow you to maximize your space and still have a good supply of strawberries.

<hr>

## Propagating strawberry plants
Keeping one plant from which to make more strawberry plants is a common practice among gardeners for several reasons:.

1. Increased yields: By propagating new plants from a single, healthy, and productive mother plant, you can increase the number of plants you have and, therefore, the overall yield of strawberries from your garden.

2. Renewal of plants: Strawberry plants generally have a lifespan of 2-3 years, after which their productivity and fruit quality may decline. By propagating new plants, you can keep your strawberry patch refreshed and maintain high yields for many years to come.

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3. Disease resistance: If one of your plants is particularly resistant to diseases or pests, propagating new plants from it will allow you to continue growing disease-resistant strawberries in your garden.

4. Cost savings: Propagating new plants from a single mother plant is a cost-effective way to increase your strawberry patch, as you can get many new plants from just one plant, rather than having to purchase multiple plants from a nursery.

![Strawberries runners](/images/articles/en/home/grow-strawberries-home/4-5.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Growing new strawberry with runners.</div>

Growing strawberries using runners is a fast and efficient way to produce more strawberries, as I have found through my own experience. By taking one strawberry plant and using its runners to propagate new plants, you can quickly increase your strawberry patch.

To get started, simply select a healthy and productive strawberry plant and allow it to produce runners. Once the runners have grown to a suitable length set them in the ground. Be sure to plant the runners in well-draining soil, and make sure that they are spaced far enough apart to allow for proper growth and development.

Once the runner is planted, you can prune the arm from the mother plant. It's best to do this after roots have emerged from the end of the runner. This will allow the energy and resources of the mother plant to be focused on producing new fruits, rather than on supporting the runner.

<hr>

## Pruning
Pruning your strawberry plants is an important step in ensuring a healthy and productive patch. By pruning, you can help your plants focus their energy and resources on producing more strawberries, rather than on maintaining leaves and runners.

The first step in pruning is to remove any dry leaves from the plants. This will help to prevent the buildup of disease and pests, and will also allow for better air circulation around the plants.

<hr>

Next, if you notice that the strawberries on your plants have dried up, be sure to remove them from the arms of the plants. This will allow your plants to focus their energy on producing new fruits, rather than on maintaining the old, dried berries.

Finally, prune the arms of the plants that have runners. This will help to keep your plants compact and healthy, and will also help to increase the production of strawberries. Just be sure to leave one plant with runners, so that you can use it for propagation in the future.

<hr>

## Pot sizes and types
When it comes to growing strawberries, the size of the pot you choose can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of your plants. Here are some things to consider when choosing a pot for your strawberries:

1. Root Space: Strawberries have a tendency to produce a lot of runners, so it's important to choose a pot that provides enough room for their roots to grow and spread out. A pot that is at least 10 inches deep and wide (25x25cm) is a good choice for most varieties of strawberries.

2. Drainage: Proper drainage is essential for healthy strawberry plants. Be sure to choose a pot that has several holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away from the roots of your plants.

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3. Material: The material of the pot can also impact the health of your strawberries. Plastic pots are lightweight and affordable, but they can also retain heat and moisture, which can lead to root rot. Terra cotta pots are a good choice for strawberries because they are porous and allow excess moisture to escape.

4. Size: Consider the size of the pot in relation to the size of your plants. 
If your strawberries are young and small, you may be able to get away with a smaller pot that is at least 4x4 inches (10x10cm). 
But as they grow and produce more runners, you'll need to upgrade to a larger pot to accommodate their roots.



<div class="videoContainer">
	<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PiMfVprdYQ8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
<div class="imgDescription">Strawberry pot.</div>


## Conclusion
Growing strawberries at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're planting in the ground or in pots, it's important to provide your strawberries with plenty of sunlight, water, and proper pruning. 

By following the tips and guidelines we've discussed, you can ensure a healthy and productive strawberry patch that will provide you with fresh, sweet berries for years to come. 

From choosing the right pot size, to using runners to produce more plants, to harvesting at the right time, growing strawberries at home can be a great way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce and connect with nature.

<hr>

### References
1. <a href="https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167762/nutrients" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nutrition Facts - USDA</a>
2. <a href="https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide/strawberries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nutrition Education - USDA</a>
3. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3cEljuKJ64" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Strawberry Runners - YouTube</a>

Get step-by-step guidance on how to grow strawberries at home! Learn about sun requirements, water needs, pruning techniques, pot sizes, and more.

How to Grow Strawberries at Home

## Starting a Garden
Starting a garden from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding and fun hobby for the whole family.

To get started, you'll need to consider a few things. Firstly, you'll need to choose a location for your garden. This can be a small plot in your backyard, a patio or balcony, or even just a windowsill. The most important thing is to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, as most plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow.

![Gardening Start small](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/start-small.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Roselle plant</div>

Once you've chosen your location, you'll need to prepare the soil. This means removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. You can also add compost or other organic matter to the soil to help improve its structure and fertility.

Next, it's time to choose what you want to plant. Consider what kind of plants will thrive in your area, and also think about what you and your family like to eat. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce are a great place to start, as are herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. You can also consider adding some flowers to your garden for added color and beauty.

![Greenhouse](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/greenhouse-230671_640.jpg)

Once you've chosen your plants, it's time to plant them. Make sure to follow the instructions on the plant labels, and be sure to give each plant enough space to grow. It's also important to water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

As your plants grow, you'll need to care for them by removing any dead or yellow leaves, and also by making sure they are getting enough water and nutrients. You can also add mulch to the soil to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

<hr>


## Discovering the Many Benefits of Gardening
Gardening is a wonderful hobby that can bring many benefits to your life. Not only is it a great way to spend time outside and get some exercise, but it also provides you with a number of health and financial benefits.

One of the most obvious benefits of gardening is that it provides you with clean air. Plants naturally filter the air around them, removing pollutants and providing you with a fresher, healthier environment. This is especially important in urban areas, where the air can be full of smog and other pollutants.

Another great benefit of gardening is that it can help you to eat better and save money. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you know exactly what has gone into them, and you can be sure that they are fresh and free of harmful chemicals. This not only helps to keep you healthy, but it can also save you money on groceries.

<hr>

> "The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul." ― Luther Burbank

<hr>

Gardening is also a great activity for the whole family. Whether you have young children who love to play in the dirt, or older children who want to learn about growing their own food, gardening is an activity that everyone can enjoy. Plus, spending time together in the garden can help to strengthen family bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Finally, gardening can be a great way to reduce stress. Working in the soil, planting seeds, and watching your plants grow can all be very calming and therapeutic. Plus, being in nature and surrounded by greenery has been shown to lower stress levels and improve overall well-being.



## The Importance of Water in Gardening
Water is a vital component of any successful garden. Without it, plants simply cannot survive. While plants can manage on their own to a certain extent, they still need a consistent supply of water to grow and produce healthy crops.

![Water Gardening](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/tap-4172621_640.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Irrigation system</div>

That's where an automatic irrigation system comes in. An automatic irrigation system ensures that your plants receive the right amount of water at the right time, without you having to worry about it. This not only saves you time and effort, but it also helps to ensure that your plants receive the optimal amount of water for healthy growth.

An automatic irrigation system can also help to conserve water, as it is designed to deliver the right amount of water to your plants and no more. This not only helps to reduce your water bill, but it also helps to conserve one of our most precious resources.

<hr>

## Innovative Water Solutions for Your Garden
In addition to an automatic irrigation system, there are many other innovative water solutions that you can use in your garden to conserve and reuse water. These solutions can help you to save money on your water bill, while also reducing your environmental impact.

One simple solution is to wash your fruits and vegetables under a bucket and then use the water to water your plants. This not only helps to conserve water, but it also provides your plants with the essential nutrients that are left in the water from the produce.

<hr>

Another option for those who have access to groundwater is to dig a small well. This can provide you with a consistent source of water that you can use to water your plants. You can also construct terraces in your garden to help retain water and reduce runoff.

If you have an air conditioner, you can also use the water drain pipe to water your plants. This not only helps to conserve water, but it also provides your plants with the cool, clean water that they need to thrive.

<hr>

Finally, you can consider installing a rainwater harvesting system. This system collects and stores rainwater, which you can then use to water your plants. Not only is this a great way to conserve water, but it also helps to ensure that your plants receive the cleanest and freshest water possible.

<hr>

## The Importance of Soil in Gardening
Soil is the foundation of any successful garden. It is the tool that you use to grow your plants, and a healthy soil can make all the difference in the growth and productivity of your garden.

Creating healthy soil is not complicated. In fact, the key to creating healthy soil is to let nature work its magic. You can do this by promoting diversity in your garden, adding food scraps and compost, having animals, and minimizing soil disturbance through no-till gardening practices.

![Food scraps compost](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/compost-6053136_640.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Food scraps / compost</div>

One way to promote soil health is to have a diverse range of plants in your garden. This can help to improve soil structure, increase nutrient cycling, and improve water-holding capacity.

Incorporating food scraps and compost into your soil is another effective way to create healthy soil. Compost contains essential nutrients and organic matter that can help to improve soil fertility and structure.

Having animals, such as chickens, ducks, or earthworms, can also help to improve soil health. They help to aerate the soil, add organic matter, and improve soil structure, all of which contribute to healthy plant growth.

<hr>

Finally, practicing no-till gardening can help to minimize soil disturbance, allowing for healthy and thriving soil. By avoiding tillage, you can maintain the structure and integrity of your soil, which helps to promote healthy root growth and reduce erosion.

<hr>

## The Power of Diversity
Diversity is a powerful tool in gardening, providing numerous benefits for the health and productivity of your garden. One of the biggest benefits of having a diverse garden is a continuous supply of crops, even during different seasons. With a variety of plants, you can ensure that you have fresh produce throughout the year.

![Gardening Diversity](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/diversity.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Diversity</div>

Another important benefit of diversity in gardening is increased resistance to disease. A garden that is diverse in terms of the types of plants it contains is less likely to be affected by disease and pests. This is because a diverse garden is less susceptible to a single pest or disease, which can quickly spread and damage an entire crop.

Having a diverse garden can also help to attract beneficial insects and pollinators, which can help to improve the overall health and productivity of your garden. Diversity in the garden can also provide habitat for wildlife, helping to create a more balanced ecosystem in your own backyard.

<hr>

Finally, a diverse garden is simply more interesting to look at and more enjoyable to spend time in. With a variety of colors, textures, and shapes, a diverse garden is a feast for the eyes and a source of endless inspiration and enjoyment.

<hr>

## The Importance of a Good Plant Nursery
When it comes to starting a garden from scratch, one of the most important steps is finding a good plant nursery. A good plant nursery is crucial for the success of your garden, as it can mean the difference between thriving plants and those that struggle to survive.

Many people fail to set up a garden simply because they bought plants in poor condition from an unreliable nursery. Plants that are not well taken care of, or that are not properly grown and nurtured, can be more prone to disease, pests, and other issues. They may also take longer to establish themselves in your garden, and may never reach their full potential.

<hr>

To ensure the success of your garden, it is important to find a good plant nursery that specializes in the types of plants you are looking for. You can research online to find a reputable nursery, and read reviews from other gardeners to get a sense of the quality of their plants. 

A good plant nursery should have healthy plants that are well-nourished, with vibrant green leaves and a strong root system. They should also have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and provide advice on how to care for your plants once you take them home.

<hr>

## The Joys of Harvesting
Harvesting is one of the most exciting parts of gardening, as it is the moment when you get to taste the fruits of your labor. In order to enjoy the freshest and most delicious vegetables, it is important to harvest them at the right time.

![Harvesting](/images/articles/en/home/start-a-garden/food-3248131_640.jpg)
<div class="imgDescription">Harvesting</div>

When it comes to harvesting vegetables, timing is everything. Vegetables are at their peak of flavor and nutrition when they are fully ripe, so it is important to harvest them as soon as they are ready. Overripe vegetables will begin to deteriorate and lose their flavor, so it is best to harvest them while they are still at their prime.

Not only will you enjoy the taste of fresh and delicious vegetables when you harvest them at the right time, but you will also give your plants more strength to grow and produce more vegetables. By harvesting vegetables at the right time, you can encourage your plants to put all their energy into producing new growth and fruit, instead of trying to ripen an overripe vegetable.

<hr>

## Plants to Consider
A recommended list for your garden:

* Scallions (Green Onions)
* Lettuce
* New Zealand Spinach
* Cucumber plant
* Tomatoes
* Dwarf Lemon Tree

<hr>

* Sage
* Basil (Sweet Basil)
* Bell Pepper plant
* Kale (Curly Kale, Dinosaur Kale, Red Russian Kale)
* Cabbage

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* Broccoli
* Beetroots
* Onions
* Peas
* Beans

<hr>


* Potatoes
* Sweet Potato
* Carrots
* Carambola Tree (Star Fruit)
* Flowers (Which to your taste looks beautiful)


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## Conclusion
In no time, your garden will be producing delicious, fresh produce for you and your family to enjoy. And best of all, starting a garden from scratch is a fun and healthy hobby that the whole family can enjoy together. Not only will you get to spend time outside, but you'll also learn about the process of growing your own food, and gain a sense of pride and accomplishment with each harvest. So why not start your garden today and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer!

<hr>

### References
1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ugaL6wsXME" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An explanation of healthy soil - YouTube</a>
2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3waibCUoKo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10 Vegetables You Should Grow - YouTube</a>

Get expert tips on starting a garden from scratch, soil management, water solutions, harvesting, and more. Enjoy a healthy and fun hobby for the whole family.

Gardening

How to Grow Strawberries at Home

How to Start a Garden From Scratch