How to grow strawberries

Plant strawberries in moist yet freedraining soil or peat-free multi-purpose potting compost blended with John Innes. Space them at least 20cm apart. Full sun ensures the best sugar levels and flavour.

Avoid planting in soil where strawberries have been grown in the past three years, or potatoes/tomatoes the previous year, to deter diseases such as verticillium wilt.

If growing in pots, these should be at least 30cm wide, otherwise they’ll dry out too quickly. Add a watering tube to tower planters. Greenhouses and undercover areas are great for forcing an early crop.