Growing your strawberry plant from seed is incredibly rewarding but requires a bit of patience. You can choose from various strawberry varieties when starting from seeds. If planting before late spring, ensure your seeds are indoors to avoid frost damage. Pre-treat them by placing them in the freezer for 2-4 weeks, mimicking the natural germination process. Then, press the seeds lightly into a moist soil and peat mixture. In direct sunlight, germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.

You may decide to bypass the seed stage and purchase your strawberry plant as a germinated seedling. This gives you a head start in growing your plant. Once you have your seedlings, keep them in a shaded place until you're ready to plant them. These young shoots have to be treated very carefully to keep them intact, so they grow well. When your seedling has developed several small leaves, it's time to harden it to prepare it for life outdoors. This process involves placing the plant outside for an increasing amount of time every day for two weeks, so it is able to withstand life outdoors.

Regular watering is essential for thriving strawberry plants. Aim for 1-2 inches of water weekly during fruiting. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so strike a balance to prevent overly wet or dry soil. Watering in the morning allows the plant to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of mold. Focus on watering the plant’s base, avoiding the fruit itself to maintain its freshness.

The ideal outdoor position for a strawberry plant is in a sunny but sheltered spot. Although strawberries prefer direct sunlight, they can tolerate some shade, as long as they get a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. In these conditions, it's best to plant your strawberry bush in spring, so it has a run of warmer months in which to absorb sunlight. A strawberry plant will not thrive in an entirely shaded spot. When kept indoors, the plant must ideally be kept in direct sunlight.

Strawberry plants have a shallow root system so they can survive in almost any depth of soil, making them a versatile plant choice. You may choose to keep them in pots or baskets if you don't want to plant them in the ground. This is good news for those living in apartments or homes without yards, as strawberry plants can be grown in a pot on a balcony or indoors. As long as your plant is watered correctly and has direct sunlight, it can thrive.

The perfect time to pick strawberries is when they’re fully red and ripe. Use plant tags to estimate ripening periods, but a general guideline is to harvest when the berries reach vibrant redness. Avoid pulling the fruit directly; instead, cut the stem slightly above the berry to prevent bruising or damage. This careful approach ensures your strawberries remain in prime condition.

Strawberry plants are split into three main types. Everbearing plants bear fruit throughout the warm months, with main harvests in early summer and early fall. June-bearing plants tend to have their main harvest in early summer - usually June. Day-neutral strawberry plants are sensitive to the temperature of their surroundings more than the length of the days. This makes them ideal for shadier spots and allows them to flower from early spring to the end of fall.

To keep your strawberries fresh, refrigerate them in a single layer with adequate ventilation. Avoid soaking the berries; wash them only before eating to prevent sogginess. Properly chilled, strawberries stay ripe for 2-3 days, while freezing them preserves their flavor for up to six months. Always handle them gently for the best storage results.