Growing strawberries in mountain gardens is sweeter than any other part of the country. Starting can be overwhelming, but following these tips will make you an expert in no time. It’s not quite as easy as plopping a plant in the ground and hoping for the best, but close if you amend the soil correctly and follow these easy garden steps. Prepare to become a strawberry garden expert.
- Prepare the Site
As with any perennial plant, starting off with a weed-free site is essential and saves a lot of energy and effort later in the season. Once the weeds are gone, spread a 2-3 inch layer of 50 percent Watters Premium Mulch and 50 percent Barnyard Manure over the strawberry garden soil. No need to work these organics into the soil. Some will be worked in when your plants are put into the ground and some will get moved by the earthworms. Strawberries are shallow rooted and need their nutrients near the garden’s surface.
- Choose the Right Variety
There are four basic types of strawberries: June bearing, day neutral, everbearing and the tiny, but delicious, alpine strawberries. If you want to preserve strawberries, June bearing produces the largest crop at one time.
If you want to enjoy your strawberries over the entire growing season, then choose day neutral or everbearing. Day neutral berries produce multiple small crops throughout the season. Everbearing aren’t truly everbearing; I find they produce two to three crops per season, which are a little smaller in yield than what you’d get from June bearing.
Ideally, plant some of both June bearing and day neutral and you’ll have the best of all worlds.
- Some are Better Than Others
Strawberries are susceptible to a handful of fungal diseases, including: verticillium wilt, botrytis (fruit rot), and red stele (root rot). Make sure to do your homework or visit the strawberry experts here at Watters Garden Center. We have curated the very best varieties right for mountain gardens.
Best to plant away from tomato, pepper, potato and eggplants since these garden plants share some of the same diseases as strawberries. Keep these crops separate and clean for best results.
- Plant Enough
Each plant should yield somewhere from 1 cup to 1 pint per season. Keep in mind that June bearers will produce this during the course of one month and the other types will spread it out over the entire growing season.
- Why They’re Called Strawberries
Mulching is a big advantage when growing strawberries and straw is the obvious choice. A thick layer of soft mulch does more than inhibit weeds and conserve water. It also keeps the roots cool, which strawberries like, and it keep the fruits off the ground where they can get into all kinds of trouble with insects and pathogens.
If you don’t like the look of straw, consider shredded cedar bark, shredded leaves or pine needles.
- Watch for Snails and Slugs
We are not the only animals to love strawberries. There are many pests to be aware off and two of the biggest are snails and slugs. Watch for signs of their nibbling and take action quickly. We have hand selected an organic bait that not only eliminates snails and slugs, but also takes care of pillbugs and earwigs. It really takes the fear out of strawberry gardeners. If it only worked on the birds! But that’s what bird netting and scare tape is for.
- Water Wisely
Strawberries need about 1 inch of water per week from March through October. The two most important times for regular water are at planting and when the fruits are forming.
These tips are relatively easy for in-ground plants and raised beds. For even easier strawberries, simply fill your favorite container up with Watters Potting Soil and plant your strawberries. This professional grade potting soil ignites new growth and many fruits. You’ll be amazed at how many fruits can be harvested in a small space.
Until next issue, I’ll be helping local strawberry gardeners here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN
By Ken Lain
Ken Lain, the mountain gardener, can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or FB.com/WattersGardenCenter.
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