A gardening expert has shared a simple method for growing your own strawberries from supermarket fruit, claiming it could mean you never have to buy a strawberry plant again.
How the hack works
Ifzaal, known as Nature with Ifzaal on TikTok where he has more than 26,000 followers, demonstrated the technique. He said: "This is what happens when you grab any shop-bought strawberry and slice away the outer layer. You'll only need one strawberry for this, but it can get quite fiddly, so use a sharp knife."
He carefully cuts thin strips from the surface of the strawberry and lays them on kitchen roll. "Make sure every slice is nice and thin," he said. After leaving them to dry for a few days, the slices dry completely, allowing the seeds to be rubbed off easily.
Planting the seeds
Ifzaal advises dropping the tiny seeds onto a white plate to keep track of them. He then fills a small container with compost, gently sprinkles the seeds on top, and keeps the soil moist using a spray bottle. "After a couple of months, they'll be ready to plant outside. By following this really easy method, you'll never have to buy another strawberry plant again," he said.
When to plant strawberries
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), planting strawberries in August or September allows them to establish before producing fruit next year. Strawberries can be grown in beds, pots, growing bags, hanging baskets, and window boxes, in a sheltered, sunny spot. The RHS states: "Strawberries are easy to grow in pots, growing bags, hanging baskets, troughs and tubs. ... Simply fill a large container with peat-free multi-purpose or soil-based compost and plant with the crown just level with the surface. Space plants about 20cm apart."
Care tips
Strawberry plants need regular watering while establishing, especially in containers. Avoid wetting the crown or fruit to prevent fungal issues.
