June-Bearing Strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa

fruit

June-bearing strawberries produce one large, concentrated crop in late spring to early summer, prized for the heavy flush of big, sweet berries that makes them the choice for preserving and freezing. The plants spread vigorously by runners to form a dense matted row and, well cared for, bear for several years.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Borage — The classic strawberry companion; attracts pollinators and predators and is said to improve flavor
• Thyme — Aromatic groundcover that deters worms
• Sweet Alyssum — Draws hoverflies that eat aphids
• Spinach and Lettuce — Low neighbors that share space

❌ Keep away from

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Spotted wing drosophila →

  Pick fruit ripe and often, refrigerate immediately, remove and bag any overripe berries, and use fine exclusion netting installed before fruit colors

• Birds and slugs →

  Drape bird netting; mulch with straw and hand-pick slugs at night

• Gray mold →

  Space for airflow, mulch to keep fruit off the soil, and harvest promptly

🌾 Harvest & storage

Pick the berries fully ripe, when they are evenly red, fragrant, and sweet, since strawberries do not ripen further after picking, harvesting every day or two through the few-week season. Pick in the cool of the morning with the green cap on, and refrigerate or use them quickly, as ripe strawberries are very perishable.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Strawberries are an outstanding source of vitamin C, with a single serving covering much of the daily need, plus folate, potassium, fiber, and antioxidant anthocyanins, all at very low calories.