Strawberries, the ruby-red jewels of the garden, are a favorite among fruit lovers around the world. But what if you could enjoy these sweet treats all year round? With everbearing strawberries, you can! These hardy plants produce fruit from spring to fall, and with the right care, they can provide you with a bountiful harvest all year round. So, let's dive into the world of everbearing strawberries and learn how to grow and harvest them successfully.
Understanding Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries, contrary to their name, do not bear fruit all year round. They are, however, more prolific than their June-bearing counterparts, producing two to three harvests per year. These strawberries are known for their smaller, but more flavorful fruits, and their ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
Unlike June-bearing strawberries, which produce a single, large crop in late spring or early summer, everbearing strawberries produce a large crop in spring, a smaller one in summer, and another in fall. This means you can enjoy fresh, homegrown strawberries for a significant portion of the year.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are several varieties of everbearing strawberries, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include 'Ozark Beauty', 'Quinault', and 'Fort Laramie'. 'Ozark Beauty' is known for its large, sweet berries and its resistance to disease. 'Quinault' is a favorite among gardeners for its large, juicy berries and its ability to adapt to different soil types. 'Fort Laramie', on the other hand, is prized for its hardiness and its ability to withstand cold temperatures.
When choosing a variety, consider your climate, soil type, and personal preferences. Do you prefer large, juicy berries, or smaller, more flavorful ones? Do you live in a cold climate, or a warmer one? These factors can help you choose the right variety for your garden.
How to Grow Everbearing Strawberries
Now that we've covered the basics, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how to grow everbearing strawberries. Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. With a little bit of knowledge and a lot of patience, you can grow your own delicious strawberries.
Planting Your Strawberries
Start by choosing a sunny location for your strawberry patch. Strawberries need at least six hours of sunlight each day to produce fruit. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider adding compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
Plant your strawberries in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots of the plant, and place the plant in the hole, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil around the plant, and water thoroughly.
Caring for Your Strawberries
Water your strawberries regularly, especially during dry spells. Strawberries need about one inch of water per week. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the fruits clean. Straw is a popular choice for mulching strawberries, but you can also use pine needles, shredded leaves, or other organic materials.
Feed your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, when the plants start to grow, and again after the first harvest. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
Harvesting and Storing Your Strawberries
Harvesting strawberries is a joyous task, filled with the anticipation of sweet, juicy rewards. But when is the right time to pick your strawberries? And how should you store them for maximum freshness?
When to Harvest
Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red, firm, and their seeds are on the outside. Don't be tempted to pick them too early, as they won't ripen off the vine. Harvest in the cool of the morning, when the fruits are still cool, and handle them gently to avoid bruising.
Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the stem of the strawberry, leaving a small piece of stem attached to the fruit. This will help prolong its shelf life. Rinse the strawberries in cool water, pat them dry, and enjoy them fresh, or store them for later use.
Storing Your Strawberries
Strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Place them in a single layer on a paper towel in a shallow container, and cover with plastic wrap. Don't wash the strawberries until you're ready to eat them, as moisture can encourage mold growth.
For longer storage, consider freezing your strawberries. Rinse them, pat them dry, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen strawberries can be used in smoothies, jams, or baked goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my strawberries not producing fruit?
There could be several reasons why your strawberries are not producing fruit. They might not be getting enough sunlight, or they might be getting too much nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Another possibility is that the plants are too crowded, which can inhibit fruit production. Make sure your strawberries are planted in a sunny location, are getting the right nutrients, and have enough space to grow.
Can I grow everbearing strawberries in containers?
Absolutely! Everbearing strawberries are well-suited to container gardening. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plants, and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. You'll also need to water and feed your strawberries more frequently, as containers dry out faster and have less nutrient reserves than garden soil.
How long do everbearing strawberries live?
Everbearing strawberries can live for several years, but their productivity tends to decline after the first three years. To maintain a productive strawberry patch, consider replacing your plants every three to four years.
So there you have it, folks! With a bit of knowledge, some patience, and a dash of humor, you too can enjoy the sweet success of growing and harvesting everbearing strawberries all year round. Happy gardening!
