Plant strawberries now for best results
Strawberries are not only a delight to eat, they’re easy to grow says
STRAWBERRY PLANTS can be planted for much of the year; however, the best results by far are from those planted into the garden during May.
Strawberries would have to be the most popular berry fruit grown. They will fit into any size garden, grow well in pots, are quick to give results, and some varieties do well in Whanganui.
Varieties fall into two main categories — short day and day neutral — the biggest difference being that the fruiting peak falls at a different time. So, if you plant a mixture, you will be harvesting fruit for a longer period.
I have been harvesting fruit from both types of plants from October to my last bowlful only two weeks ago in late April.
Short-day varieties initiate flowering when, as the name suggests, the days are short, and they will mostly fruit from early November to just after Christmas. Sometimes, flowering is also initiated in autumn and a small crop might be produced. Camerosa is a short day variety that produces large, wellflavoured fruit right around Christmas. Another real winner is Ventana.
Day-neutral varieties such as Aromas, Albion and Cabrillo fruit when the temperatures are warm enough for growth. These varieties tend not to have such a large flush of fruit at once but produce consistently for a longer period.
The most economical way to buy strawberry plants is as bare root bundles, some of which are available for a very limited time.
Planting done in the cooler months tends to result in heavier cropping than those made in warmer months. If they are planted closer to the longest day (December), they will tend to produce an abundance of runners instead of fruit.
Where to grow
There seems little limit to how and where these fairly foolproof plants can be grown. They can be grown in old car tyres where the heat of the tyres hastens ripening. This method keeps the fruit off the ground and therefore clean from soil. They can be grown in hydroponics, in glazed or terracotta pots, specialist herb/strawberry planters. They are an edible option to grow in a hanging basket or they can fit in the herb garden. Some grow them along the edge of a vegetable garden and others will dedicate a spot to mass produce their favourite berry.
Many will grow strawberries in pots and containers of various forms. If you are planting strawberries in pots make sure you use a specialist mix such as Tui Strawberry Mix.
The biggest factor is site selection. The plants need a sunny position and a well-drained soil that has good structure. The addition of Tui Strawberry Mix or Tui Sheep Pellets will improve soil structure and add nutrients, and bulking up the soil can give height that will aid in good drainage.
Mulching and feeding
Mulching the soil surface between plants will prevent weeds, maintain an even soil temperature and prevent moisture loss in summer. A mulch will also help to keep the fruit clean. Suitable mulches include straw, sawdust, pine needles, pine bark or wood shavings.
The traditional and very effective method of growing strawberries is to cover the raised mound with black polythene plastic or weed mat, making a small slit for each plant. The black mulch attracts heat, increasing soil temperature making fruiting earlier and the fruit clean from dirt.
Cultural notes
Strawberry plants will produce significantly more fruit if they are watered and fertilised regularly. You can buy a specially blended fertiliser.
While they like to be well drained, plants need to be watered in summer, preferably in the early morning to reduce the risk of humidity build-up.
The plants will produce good crops for three years after which the ‘mother’ plants are best thrown out. The plants will generally produce runners in late summer. In the first year, these are best removed as they will drain the plant of energy and reduce the next season’s fruit. However, in the second and third season, saving some runners and replanting will allow you to replenish or enlarge your patch.
For plants starting their second or third season, all the dead leaves should be removed during winter. This helps minimise pests and disease. Plants should then be fertilised in August or early September.
Strawberries are relatively pest-free; just keep an eye out for slugs in spring and aphids and mites in summer, which may require control using bee-friendly Yates Mavrik.
Bird control
Planting strawberry plants is ironically a great way to attract birds into the garden. So to enjoy the fruits of your labour, bird control is essential and it seems this is the area where many people come unstuck.
The most effective method is to construct a frame on which bird netting may be draped. The frame needs to be able to hold the netting at least 30cm above the plants so when birds sit on the cloth they are not able to reach those precious berries. It also needs to be secured around the base to prevent side entry — the use of bricks or similar to weight netting to the ground is effective.
Frame options can range from bending No 8 wire or steel into hoops to making a ‘square’ frame with garden stakes or even putting an upturned pot on the top of a stake which keeps the netting held up away from the plants.
How many to plant? A rule of thumb is to plant five plants for each family member. If you want to eat bowlfuls every night during summer then plant more.
Strawberry plants will produce significantly more fruit if they are watered and fertilised regularly.