Maintaining strawberry plants involves a few key steps:

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging, as strawberries prefer well-drained soil.
2. Sunlight: Ensure your strawberry plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruiting. Adequate sunlight promotes healthy growth and sweet berries.
3. Soil: Plant strawberries in well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Mulching helps control weeds, retains moisture, and prevents the berries from touching the soil.
4. Fertilizing: Provide a balanced fertilizer to support growth and fruit production. Apply it in early spring and again after the first harvest for June-bearing varieties.
5. Pruning: Remove runners and old leaves regularly to encourage new growth. This helps maintain a tidy and productive strawberry patch.
6. Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids or slugs. Use organic pest control methods to protect your plants.
7. Winter Protection: In colder climates, protect strawberries from freezing temperatures by mulching with straw in late fall. This helps insulate the plants during winter.
8. Harvesting: Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripe. Pick them with the stem attached to avoid bruising, and do so regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.

With these simple maintenance practices, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy strawberries from your garden.