Even though this winter has been pretty mild in the Manawatu, it still seems odd to be thinking about such a summery fruit as strawberries just yet. But if you want to enjoy the fruits of your labour at Christmas now is the time to plant strawberries.

I love the fact strawberries will grow just about anywhere. Google strawberry planters and you will find an array of creative places for growing this tasty fruit. Cut off drain pipes, wooden pyramids, garden beds, pots, the list goes on.

I like to grow strawberries in a raised garden bed. But I’m also a fan of planting them in a paradise planter or hanging basket. As long as they can see the sun, and where you’re planting is well-drained, you can expect healthy-growing plants that produce lots of fruit.

When you’ve found just the right spot or spots, prepare the soil by digging in a general fertiliser that’s rich in potassium – this will help stimulate plant growth and big, juicy fruit.

If you’re planting in a pot or hanging basket, use a good potting mix and for an extra boost apply a liquid fertiliser to the mix.

You can order your strawberry plants from our online store.

Each regular-sized bundle has around four plants which should produce between 60 -100 strawberries come Christmas. If you’re planting in a paradise planter you’ll need 32 seedlings to fill each hole.

Before planting in the garden raise your bed by mounding the soil. This will encourage circulation, drainage and can add depth to shallow soil.

Plant your seedlings around the edges of your garden or pots to encourage the strawberries to hang over the sides and prevent the fruit from touching the ground and rotting.

Dig a hole 10cm deep and place the seedling inside. A deep hole is required to give the roots plenty of room to spread out and grow but be careful not to bury the plant. Pack the soil firmly around each seedling and surround with peastraw or newspaper to help keep away weeds.

Place netting or wire over you plants when they begin to produce fruit. This will block out birds and ensure you get to eat the strawberries yourself.

In spring, add another dose of general fertiliser to your strawberries to encourage sturdier plants that are more disease resistant heading in to the warmer months.

Come Christmas you'll have more strawberries than you'll know what to do with and the cold weather of winter will be a distant memory.