Although strawberries have been cherished for centuries, the formal designation of National Strawberry Month has no clearly documented origin. Multiple sources note that its beginnings are mysterious or elusive, with no identifiable founding organization or date. National Day Calendar Days Of The Year
What is clear is why May was chosen:
- Peak season: Strawberries reach their prime from April through June in many U.S. regions. Days Of The Year
- Cultural popularity: Strawberries are among the first fruits to ripen in spring and have long been associated with freshness, sweetness, and celebration. Holidays Calendar
Over time, May simply became the natural month to celebrate strawberries—through picking, cooking, preserving, and sharing.
🌱 How to Grow Strawberries
Growing strawberries is surprisingly accessible, even for small spaces.
🍓 1. Choose Your Strawberry Type
Strawberries come in three main categories:
- June-bearing — One large harvest in late spring; biggest berries.
- Everbearing — Two to three smaller harvests (spring, summer, fall).
- Day-neutral — Produce berries continuously in warm weather.
🌿 2. Planting Basics
- Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours of full sun.
- Soil: Loose, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.8).
- Spacing: 12–18 inches apart; rows 2–3 feet apart.
- Planting depth: Keep the crown (where leaves meet roots) at soil level.
💧 3. Watering & Care
- Water consistently—strawberries have shallow roots.
- Mulch with straw or pine needles to retain moisture and keep berries clean.
- Remove runners (long stems that form baby plants) if you want larger berries; keep runners if you want more plants.
🐛 4. Common Issues
- Slugs: Use crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth.
- Mold: Improve airflow and avoid overhead watering.
- Birds: Use netting or reflective tape.
- Squirrels: Use netting
🍓 5. Harvesting
- Pick when berries are fully red.
- Harvest every 2–3 days during peak season.
- Handle gently—strawberries bruise easily.
🥤 Strawberry Recipes
Milkshakes & Smoothies
- 🍓Delicious Strawberry Raspberry milkshake
- 🥛Delicious Strawberry Milkshake Recipe for Summer
- 🫚Strawberry Root Beer Smoothie: A Refreshing Twist
- Delicious Berry banana fro-yo
Pies & Tarts
- Easy Fruit Glaze Recipe for Stunning Desserts
- Easy Heart-Shaped Strawberry Meringues
- 🍓 Fresh Strawberry Pie
Breads & Cakes
- Angel Food Cake
- Delicious Strawberry Fritters Recipe
Butters & Sauces
- Strawberry Butter is berry delicious on waffles, muffins, and pancakes, too!
- Strawberry Sauce
more recipes coming soon!
