Identification

1

• Identification Cultivation

2
Strawberries Chapter 24

• Very popular fruit
• Many new varieties
• Grow from Alaska to Florida

3
Preparing the soil

• Choose site that is free of late frosts
• Shallow-rooted plants so good topsoil is needed
• Ph 5-6
• Rich in humus, compost, peat, or manure

4
Planting

• Plant early spring
• 2 planting methods hill system or matted system
• Leave crowns above ground
• Water every other day
• Liquid fertilizer/once per week

5
Matted row system

• In a row 18 inches apart
• Rows should be 3 feet apart
• Treat plants as biennials
• Make new planting each year

6
Hill system

• Plants are 12-15 inches apart
• 3 rows that are 12-15 inches apart
• Leave 3-4 feet for walking around
• Takes more plants to get started
• Requires more attention
• Saves work/cost of replanting

7
Differences between

• Matted row you want runners
• Hill system you do not
• Hill system you treat plants as perennials, so
  larger berries
• Most gardeners prefer matted row

8
problems

• Weeds
• Pick off blossoms first year
• Do not come true from seed
• Winter and frost protection

9
Insects

• Japanese beetle
• Aphids
• Thrips
• Leafhoppers
• Slugs
• Grasshoppers
• Leaf rollers

10
Other pests

• White grubs
• Cyclamen mites
• Weevils

11
Diseases

• Leaf spot
• Leaf scorch
• Verticillium wilt
• Red stele

12
Everbearing Strawberries

• One crop early summer
• Light crop late summer or fall

13
Conclusion

• Choose the right cultivar for your area
• Decide which system to plant
• Keep mulched
• Good air circulation
• Enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries