Strawberries thrive in almost every climate, they don't require lots of garden space, and who can resist the aroma and flavor of a freshly picked, perfectly ripe strawberry!
Growing Strawberries
Strawberries are easy-care plants, making them an excellent "starter crop" for kids or weekend gardeners.
- There are two main types of cultivated strawberries: single-crop varieties and everbearers, also called day-neutrals. Single-crop varieties usually produce the largest, tastiest fruit and the greatest yield. Everbearing strawberries will give more than one crop each season; some even produce continuously.
- Strawberries come in thousands of varieties. Check with local nurseries or horticulture extension service for the best choices for your area. Be sure to purchase certified "virus-free" plants, and always remove diseased foliage or fruit from your garden.
- Plant strawberries in containers or in a garden bed, usually in early spring, in a site with full sun. If your garden bed does not drain well, plant on a mound or in a raised bed. When planting strawberries, be sure the crown (the area between the roots and the leaves) is set at soil level, or the plants will rot.
- Strawberry plants decline in production after about two or three years. The good news is they produce their own replacements by way of runners. Trim excess runners off the mother plant to allow strawberries from the main plant to grow larger, but allow some runners to take root for your next generation strawberry crop.
- This versatile plant does make an attractive ground cover.
- Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and can be eaten raw or cooked into preserves, sauces, syrups, etc.
Contact your local garden center or horticulture extension office to find out what grows best in your own backyard.
From Backyard Living magazine. Subscribe to this and other publications here.
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