Growing Strawberries Tips

This page will contain Growing Strawberries Tips for three types of strawberries we will be planting from seed for the 2010 growing season. It is too late to plant any now, but I may try some since it is usually warm here in Texas in the winter time.

The three we will be planting is the Tarpan, Sarian, and Alexandria.

These are Day Neutral and are also good for container and hanging basket growing. We will plant these in the ground, containers and hanging baskets. We will take photos and follow their progress.

PLANT CULTURE:

CULTURE: Strawberries prefer a sunny to partially shaded location and moist, well-drained soil, richly fertilized with compost or aged manure and a pH between 6.0-6.8. Prepare beds the previous fall or in early spring to get good control over perennial weeds.

PLANTING: Space plants 12-18" apart in rows 3-4' apart. Set plants with the roots straight down into the soil, ensuring the middle of the crown is level with the top of the soil. Irrigate and keep free of weeds. Pinch flowers the first year to establish vigorous plants.

Mulch with straw in late fall when plants have started to go dormant to moderate freeze/thaw cycles and heaving. Pull mulch aside in spring when plants start to grow. Leave the mulch in the aisles to keep the fruit clean and help suppress weeds.

HARVEST: Beginning the second spring and for 3-5 years thereafter.

FROM SEED CULTURE:

CULTURE: Sow seeds thinly in March or April in a fine soilless mix. Press seeds into moist mix. Cover to exclude light and keep moist until plants emerge in 2-3 weeks. Keep soil temperature between 60°F (16°C) and 75°F (24°C), if possible.

Transplant to plug trays or 1-1 1/2" apart in flats, then to larger pots or planters for retailing full-size plants: 1 plant/3-4" pot; 3-5 plants/8" pot. Transplant outdoors anytime, 1' apart. Tolerant to partial shade, and they prefer moist soil.

For seeds, OG means "organically grown" and signifies seeds harvested from plants grown organically, without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and according to National Organic Program standards.

For supplies, OG signifies products that are approved for use in growing certified organic crops; supplies are listed by OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) when noted in the product description.

Towards the end of December will we start some for transplanting so we can develop our own growing strawberries tips.

Keep checking back for updates.

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