Strawberry
Varieties available: Honeyoye, Kent, Fort Laramie, Albion, Berries Galore
Are you interested in growing your own delicious and nutritious strawberries?
Strawberries are a popular fruit known for their sweet and tangy flavor. They are also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any diet. By growing your own strawberries, you can ensure that you are consuming fresh, pesticide-free produce.
Strawberries thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, ensure that the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Varieties like Berries Galore are better grown in containers like hanging baskets. They are not completely hardy in our climate.
Before planting your strawberry plants in the garden, it is crucial to prepare the soil properly. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the area. Then, loosen the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility. This will provide the strawberries with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
When selecting strawberry plants, there are two main types to choose from: June-bearing and everbearing. June-bearing varieties produce a single large crop in late spring or early summer, while everbearing varieties produce multiple smaller crops throughout the growing season. Berries Galore is day-neutral variety that bloom continuously and set fruit throughout the summer.
Once you have chosen your strawberry plants, it's time to plant them. Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. Evenly spread the roots out in a circular fashion on a little mound of garden soil and backfill with soil. Gently firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly.
To promote healthy growth and prevent weeds, it is recommended to mulch around the strawberry plants. Apply a layer of straw, pine needles, or wood chips around the plants, taking care not to cover the crown. This will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Watering is crucial for the success of your strawberry plants. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to disease and fruit rot. Instead, use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants to ensure that the roots receive adequate moisture.
As your strawberry plants grow, it is important to provide them with regular care and maintenance. Remove any weeds that may compete with the plants for nutrients and water. Additionally, monitor for pests and diseases, such as aphids or powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to control them.
To overwinter, pull the mulch (straw, wood chips, paper sheds) up over the crowns to protect from harsh frosts. In the spring push the straw back around to mulch and uncover the palnts.