How to Grow the Juiciest Strawberries in Your NC Garden
There’s nothing quite like stepping outside, plucking a sun-warmed strawberry straight from the plant, and taking a bite of that sweet, juicy perfection. And if you live in North Carolina, you’re in luck—our climate is practically made for growing these red little gems.
Whether you’re a first-time gardener or just trying to grow something other than weeds, I’ve got you covered with all the tips, tricks, and must-know details for successfully planting and growing strawberries in your NC garden.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety
Not all strawberries are created equal, and if you’re going to put in the work, you might as well plant the best. Here are my absolute favorite varieties for North Carolina gardens:
1. Chandler
These are juicy, sweet, and perfect for eating fresh. They grow well in North Carolina’s climate and produce large, beautiful berries. If you want that classic strawberry flavor, Chandler is a must.
2. Sweet Charlie
If you like your strawberries extra sweet (like, dessert-level sweet), this one’s for you. Sweet Charlie strawberries are early producers, meaning you’ll be snacking on berries before anyone else’s plants even think about fruiting.
3. Ozark Beauty
Ever feel personally attacked by the fact that strawberries have a "season"? Me too. That’s why I love Ozark Beauty—an everbearing variety that keeps producing all season long.
4. Quinault
Another everbearing variety, Quinault strawberries are known for being super easy to grow and producing big, soft berries that are perfect for eating fresh, jamming, or freezing.
Step 2: Where to Plant Strawberries in NC
Strawberries love full sun, so find a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Also, they don’t like soggy roots, so make sure your soil drains well.
If your yard has clay-heavy soil (which is common in parts of NC), consider raised beds or containers—your strawberries will be happier, and so will you when you don’t have to battle mud every time it rains.
Step 3: Planting Your Strawberries
Timing is Everything
In North Carolina, you’ll want to plant strawberries in early spring (around March or April) when the risk of frost has mostly passed but before summer heat kicks in.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can plant them in the fall and let them establish strong roots over winter for a head start in the spring.
Spacing & Planting Depth
Space your plants 12–18 inches apart
Leave 2–3 feet between rows
Plant so the crown (the little leafy part where stems grow from) sits right at soil level
Planting too deep? The plant will sulk. Too shallow? It’ll dry out faster than you can say “where did my strawberry plant go?”
Step 4: Strawberry Care Tips
Watering
Strawberries like to stay consistently moist but not drowning. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, and more if it’s a scorching NC summer.
Pro tip: Water in the morning so the leaves dry out by evening. Wet leaves overnight = fungal problems, and nobody invited fungus to this strawberry party.
Mulching
Mulch is your best friend when growing strawberries. A nice layer of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves will:
✔ Keep weeds out
✔ Hold in moisture
✔ Protect berries from rotting on the soil
Bonus: If you use pine needles, it slightly acidifies the soil, which strawberries love.
Fertilizing
Strawberries are hungry plants, so feed them with a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) at planting time, then again when they start flowering.
Avoid over-fertilizing unless you really want giant green leaves and zero berries.
Step 5: Protecting Your Strawberries
Pests That Will Try to Steal Your Berries
Birds – They think your strawberries are a free buffet. Cover plants with netting if needed.
Slugs & Snails – Use diatomaceous earth or crushed eggshells around plants to keep them away.
Aphids – A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap should do the trick.
Winter Protection
In NC’s milder winters, strawberries usually survive just fine. But if temps drop below 20°F, toss some straw over the plants to keep their roots cozy.
Step 6: Harvesting & Enjoying Your Strawberries
Finally, the best part—harvesting those beautiful berries! Here’s how to do it right:
Pick when they’re fully red (no white or green spots).
Harvest in the morning when they’re still cool.
Use scissors or snip with your fingers, leaving a bit of stem attached.
Now comes the hard part: trying not to eat them all before you even get back inside.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Growing Strawberries in NC
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you now know everything you need to grow juicy, delicious strawberries in your NC garden. Whether you’re growing Chandler, Sweet Charlie, Ozark Beauty, or Quinault, the process is simple: give them sun, water, good soil, and a little TLC, and they’ll reward you with baskets of homegrown goodness.
So go forth, plant those berries, and enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of homegrown success!
