There’s something special about growing fruit that isn’t readily available at the grocer – varieties that are softer, richer in flavour, and simply not bred for commercial transport. Cambridge Rival is one of those rare treasures. With its soft, tender flesh and exceptional taste, this variety earned a remarkable 90/100 on the Diggers Club taste test – and it’s easy to see why.
In my garden, growing strawberries like Cambridge Rival is not just about the harvest but about reconnecting with what real food tastes like. Whether you garden in a cool climate or the warmer edges of the country, strawberries can be cultivated to suit every environment – with a little care and attention.
Here’s my guide to growing strawberries across Australia’s five climate zones so you, too, can savour fruit that money simply can’t buy.
Why Choose a Garden-Only Variety Like Cambridge Rival?
Commercial strawberries are bred to withstand transport, meaning they’re often firm, uniform, and robust – but flavour is secondary. Varieties like Cambridge Rival don’t make it to supermarket shelves because of their delicate, soft flesh. Instead, they thrive in home gardens, where fruit can be picked when perfectly ripe and enjoyed moments later.
It’s one of the simplest pleasures – and for me, it embodies living well.
Growing Strawberries Across Five Climate Types
Cool Climates
Cool climates provide the winter chill strawberries love and reward you with sweet, concentrated flavour.
Planting time: Late winter to early spring.
Tips: Mulch heavily in winter to protect crowns from frost and keep fruit off damp soil.
Care: Water regularly as the weather warms but avoid soggy conditions.
Temperate Climates
Perfectly balanced for strawberries, temperate zones allow plants to thrive with minimal fuss.
Planting time: Early spring or late autumn.
Tips: Add organic matter to improve the soil, and use straw mulch to retain moisture.
Care: Net plants to keep birds away as fruit ripens – the soft-fleshed berries are irresistible.
Warm Climates
Warm climates require extra attention to heat stress, but strawberries will flourish with care.
Planting time: Late autumn through to early winter.
Tips: Provide shade during extreme summer heat and mulch well to cool the roots.
Care: Water deeply in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Subtropical Climates
Humidity is the biggest challenge here, but good airflow and spacing will set your plants up for success.
Planting time: Late autumn or early winter.
Tips: Choose raised beds or pots to improve drainage and airflow.
Care: Water consistently, and pick fruit early to avoid spoilage in humid conditions.
Arid Climates
In arid areas, the key to growing strawberries is keeping moisture consistent without waterlogging.
Planting time: Early autumn to establish plants before summer arrives.
Tips: Use pots or raised beds filled with well-draining soil. Position in morning sun and afternoon shade.
Care: A drip irrigation system works wonders, delivering water directly to the roots where it’s needed most.
Caring for Your Strawberry Patch
Regardless of climate, strawberries are wonderfully adaptable when given the basics:
Soil: Strawberries thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Work in plenty of compost and aged manure before planting.
Sun: At least 6 hours of sunlight a day. In hotter climates, protect plants from harsh afternoon rays.
Feeding: Use an organic, potassium-rich fertiliser during flowering and fruiting to encourage sweet, plump berries.
Mulching: Straw mulch is essential for keeping fruit clean, retaining moisture, and preventing weeds.
Spacing: Give plants 30–40 cm of space to allow good airflow – it helps prevent fungal diseases.
The Joy of Soft-Fleshed Berries
One of the greatest joys of growing Cambridge Rival – or any non-commercial variety – is tasting fruit at its best. Soft-fleshed strawberries are bursting with flavour because they ripen fully on the plant, unlike their firmer supermarket counterparts, which are often picked early to travel long distances.
In your garden, you can:
Harvest ripe fruit daily during peak season.
Share the experience – nothing delights family or friends more than a handful of fresh-picked strawberries.
Preserve the surplus – their tender flesh makes the most exquisite jams, syrups, and desserts.
Small Spaces, Big Rewards
If space is limited, strawberries adapt beautifully to pots, hanging baskets, or vertical gardens. Containers let you manage soil quality and positioning, ensuring plants get the sunlight and protection they need. Place them on a sunny balcony or patio, and you’ll still enjoy a generous harvest.
The Reward of the Garden
Growing strawberries like Cambridge Rival is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary. These are berries you’ll never find in a plastic punnet – their delicate, soft flesh and extraordinary flavour are rewards only a gardener can enjoy.
Whether you’re in a cool, temperate, or subtropical climate, nurturing strawberries brings beauty, productivity, and the sweet satisfaction of something truly special.
So go on – plant your strawberries, tend them well, and savour each sun-warmed berry as if it were summer’s finest gift.
The joy of growing strawberries is not just in the harvest, but in reconnecting with the true taste of real, homegrown food.
