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Schlueter -- Consider growing strawberries Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Consider growing strawberries. Here are some tips offered by the University of Minnesota.
Be sure you have a nice, clean weed-free bed before planting.
Plant in spring as soon as soil can be worked. Purchase stock from a reputable nursery and plant as soon as possible. Dormant plants may be stored in a cool place for several days if immediate planting isn't possible.
Don't store plants close to ripening fruits because plants might be damaged by gases given off during ripening. Don't allow the packing material surrounding the roots to dry out or become soggy. A cool, cloudy planting day reduces stress on new transplants.
At planting time, damaged roots should be trimmed and long roots cut to 4-5 inches. Remove all flowers, runners and old leaves. Keep the plants protected from direct sunlight and drying winds during planting. Strawberry plants should always be set with the roots pointed down.
If plants are set too shallow, the crown may dry out. A too-deep position may result in crown damage. Set the plants deep enough so the midpoint of the crown is even with the soil surface. After setting in, firm the soil around the plant and thoroughly water.
It is generally advised that strawberry plants be replaced after four years because of low fruit production. Here is a quick, thumbnail review of good cultural practices to follow for optimal berry production.
Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that gets full sun. Remove blossoms the first growing season to get good plant establishment. Flowers rob plants of energy needed for good root establishment. Ever-bearers should have runners removed until the mother plant is exhausted. Control the number of runners produced. Keep only the most vigorous runners. Use a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Excess nitrogen can cause excessive vegetation growth at the expense of fruit set. Cleanup in late fall or early spring using a mower. This will remove old, possibly diseased foliage and stimulate new growth.
One hint -- In the early next spring, mow the foliage off the plants and collect the clippings in the mower bag. Then, as the blossoms are forming, spray with an insecticide approved for strawberries to control lygus bugs. Do it in the early morning or evening hours when bees aren't active.
In Minnesota, the most common insect pests are tarnished plant bugs, strawberry bud weevils, slugs, picnic beetles and spittle bugs. Many methods can control them. Pick them off and put them into a bucket of soap water or use diazinon, malathion, and permethrin. Make one insecticide application just prior to bloom. Avoid spraying when strawberries are in bloom to protect pollinating insects.
Check your plants daily for pests. Use insecticides strictly in accordance with label precautionary statements and directions.
Strawberries require a lot of upkeep and dedication. The reward is the sweet, juicy bite of that first ripe strawberry.
Keep those questions and comments coming by sending to Christine Schlueter, 19276 Walden Ave, Hutchinson MN 55350 or email to rcschlueter@yahoo.com |
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