There is something wonderful about strawberries that are available in your own backyard. Sweet, succulent berries that not only smell wonderful, but taste like a bite of summer. If you would like to grow strawberries it is not difficult - you simply need a small bit of garden that is exposed to full sun.
Before purchasing the plant itself it is important to know a little bit about the different types of plants available. June-bearing strawberries are the typical choice for anyone wishing a big berry that is fruiting for a finite bit of summer. For example, this type of strawberry will be in peak production for a short period of time usually, for us on the prairies, in July, although they are classified into early, mid-season and late varieties. Typically commercial producers will choose this berry as it produces a lot of berries that are large in a short period of time. This would also be a good choice for those home gardeners wishing to put berries away or process them into jam or other products. Common cultivars that do well with our climatic conditions include: Kent, Bounty, Earliglow, Seneca and Redcoat.
The next type of strawberry is what is termed everbearing. These strawberries are not really everbearing but will produce the biggest part of the crop in July and then will also produce a second, smaller crop in September. A couple of good cultivars to try are Ogallala and Fort Laramie.
Both these types of strawberries are what is termed photoperiodically sensitive. What this means is the plants notice the changing day lengths that triggers them to go through their annual sequence of developmental stages. The long days of summer (day lengths of 14 - 16 hours) trigger the strawberries to produce a multitude of runners. Once the day length drops below 14 hours the plants will focus their growth on producing the next year's flower buds. These buds are almost invisible, tucked deeply into the crown of the plants. It is these buds that will be next season's fruit crop.
My favourite type of strawberry is the day neutral type. These strawberries pay no real attention to the length of the day and produce fruit as soon as they are mature right through to the killing frost in fall. These strawberries will also set fruit the first year they are planted and often gardeners will find fruit is produced on the runners as well. The best cultivars are Fern, Hecker, Tribute and Tri-Star.
As long as your patch is in full sun, the soil is not so important. However, they will grow best in a well-drained, sandy loam soil. Ensure the patch is weed-free prior to planting for the best experience. Be especially careful to eradicate any perennial weeds as strawberries are not good competitors. Amend the soil with a good supply of organic matter, if possible the year prior to planting. This will ensure the organic matter is well broken down and ready to supply nutrients to your strawberries.
Plant your strawberries so the roots are buried but the crown is still exposed and fertilize your patch in the spring to ensure good production. A complete fertilizer such as 10-20-20 is the best choice for strawberries. Last but not least, if Mother Nature does not supply consistent rainfall, water your patch to ensure the fruit sizes up to its potential. Enjoy your strawberries fresh, or sliced fresh with cream or ice cream, or converted into a multitude of sinfully delicious desserts!
Strawberries are extremely susceptible to spring and fall frosts. Using any type of clean organic matter cover the plants with three or four inches of mulch material for the winter to ensure the tender crowns are not damaged. This organic matter should be removed in spring but it is nice to leave it as a surface mulch between the rows so if the temperature drops after you have uncovered them, it can easily be raked over the crowns for the night.
Many thanks to Heather, who reads the column who requested some more information about over wintering strawberries.
- Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at saskhort.com.
