Did you know that strawberries
grown at home will be fresher and sweeter tasting than those
purchased at the grocery store and that in early spring, as
soon as the ground is workable, is the time to plant this sumptuous
fruit?
TYPES
There are two types of
strawberries: June-bearing and Ever-bearing. June-bearers produced
a heavy crop in June through late July; Ever-bearers produce
fruit continuously throughout the growing season. Strawberry
plants are sold either actively growing or as dormant root systems
called crowns. Soak the roots of dormant plants in tepid water
for about 1 hour before planting to give them a jump-start.
PLANTING
Strawberries are a perennial
crop and should be given their own undisturbed place in the
garden. Choose an area where you have not previously grown tomatoes,
peppers, eggplants or potatoes. These crops are susceptible
to verticillium wilt, as are strawberries, and this soil-borne
disease can persist in the ground for many years. Strawberries
prefer well-drained soil and should be situated in full sun.
Prepare the bed before planting by working in generous amounts
of compost and manure. The soil should be slightly acidic, pH
of 5.8 to 6.5, so test it before adding any pH adjusters.
When planting, fan the roots
of dormant strawberry plants and make sure that the crown is
sitting on top of the soil. If the crown is buried, the plant
will rot. If planted too high, the crown will dry out and the
plant may also die. Space plants about 12 inches apart leaving
3 feet between rows for easy harvesting.
CULTURE
In order to help plants
get established, pinch of all of the blossoms from Ever-bearers
through July and June-bearers for the entire first growing season.
Feed each year with a slow release fertilizer about four weeks
after planting and again as the plants begin to form buds. Once
established, plants should receive approximately one to two
inches of water a week. Too much or too little water will effect
the production, size and flavor of the fruit. Strawberry plants
remain productive for about three years. After that it is best
to remove the original plants and allow only the rooted runners
to remain.
