Everbearing strawberries are a unique type of strawberry that can produce two distinct harvests during the growing season. While they are easy to care for, there are certain steps that should be taken to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest. This guide will explain how to properly care for everbearing strawberries, from planting to harvesting.1. Choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Clear the area of any weeds or grasses, and test the soil for pH levels to ensure it is between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend the soil with compost to improve drainage if needed.
2. Dig holes for the strawberry plants that are 12 inches apart in rows that are three feet apart. Plant the everbearing strawberry plants in these holes so that their roots are covered with soil, while keeping the crowns of the plants at ground level.
3. Water thoroughly after planting, and continue to water (1-2 inches per week) throughout the growing season if there has been no rain or if you have sandy soil.
4. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around each plant to help keep weeds down and maintain moisture in the soil.
5. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when flowers first appear on your plants in early summer, then again after harvest time is over in mid August or early September, then again in late fall as your strawberry plants start to go dormant for winter..
6. Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripe (red). Pick them off with your fingers and enjoy!
Understanding The Difference Between June-Bearing And Everbearing Strawberries
Strawberry varieties are divided into two main groups, June-bearing and everbearing. The differences between the two types of strawberries can be significant, so it is important to know the difference before planting or purchasing strawberry plants.
June-bearing strawberries produce a large crop of fruit over a short period of time, usually during the first few weeks of June. These varieties are usually larger than everbearing varieties, and their flavor is often more intense. They require more maintenance than everbearing varieties, but they produce significantly more fruit in a single season.
Everbearing strawberries produce smaller fruits with a less intense flavor that can be harvested throughout the summer and into the fall. This type of strawberry produces fewer total fruits than June-bearing varieties, but they have the benefit of providing a steady supply of fruit over an extended period of time. Everbearing varieties require less maintenance than June-bearing varieties and are better suited to home gardeners who may not have the time to tend to their plants on a regular basis.
Both June-bearing and everbearing strawberries can be grown successfully in home gardens or in commercial settings, depending on what type of fruit production is desired. Knowing the difference between these two types will help ensure that you get the most out of your strawberry plants and enjoy fresh strawberries throughout the growing season.
Preparing The Soil For Planting
Preparing the soil for planting is one of the most important steps in gardening. Properly preparing the soil will ensure that your plants are healthy and can grow to their full potential. The first step in preparing the soil is to determine what type of soil you have. Different types of soils require different preparation techniques. For example, clay soils may need to be amended with organic matter or sand to improve drainage, while sandy soils may need additional organic matter or compost to improve water retention and nutrient availability.
Once you have determined what type of soil you have, it is important to test the pH level. Different plants prefer different pH levels, so knowing this information will help you choose the right plants for your garden. You can purchase a pH test kit from a garden center or online, or you can send a sample of your soil to a lab for testing.
Once you know the type and pH level of your soil, it is time to begin adding amendments such as compost, manure, peat moss, and lime if necessary. These amendments will help improve drainage and water retention in clay soils, as well as increase nutrient availability in sandy soils. It is also important to till or aerate your soil before planting so that roots can easily penetrate the ground.
Finally, before planting any seeds or transplants it is important to make sure that all weeds have been removed from the area. This can be done by hand-pulling larger weeds and using an herbicide on smaller ones. Removing weeds before planting will help reduce competition for water and nutrients between your plants and any existing weeds in the area.
After following these steps, your garden bed should be ready for planting! With a little effort and preparation, you can ensure that your garden grows healthy and strong!
How To Water Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries are a type of strawberry plant that produces fruit all season long. While they are a relatively low-maintenance crop, proper watering is essential for a successful harvest. To ensure your everbearing strawberries are getting the amount of water they need, consider the following tips.
The first step in ensuring your everbearing strawberry plants have enough water is to check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger into the soil near the base of the plant and see if it feels damp or dry. If it’s damp, then you don’t need to water; if it’s dry, then it’s time to give them a drink. You should also check the soil moisture after heavy rains or during periods of extreme heat when evaporation rates are high.
When you do water your everbearing strawberries, make sure to give them a deep, thorough soaking. This means applying enough water so that it reaches down several inches into the soil and saturates it evenly. Avoid shallow watering as this can cause root stress and promote disease. Additionally, it’s best to water in the morning so that any excess moisture has time to evaporate before nightfall.
Finally, keep an eye on your plants throughout the season and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. During hotter times of year when temperatures soar and humidity levels drop, you may need to increase your watering frequency slightly while during cooler weather less frequent watering may be necessary. Paying close attention to how your plants respond will ensure you’re providing them with the right amount of water for optimum results.
Appropriate Fertilization For Everbearing Strawberries
Fertilizing everbearing strawberries is essential for their health and productivity. Fertilizer should be applied in the early spring when the plants are actively growing and again in late summer or early fall when they are producing fruit. It is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for use on strawberries, as this will provide the necessary nutrients that will promote healthy growth and good yields of fruit.
When fertilizing everbearing strawberries, it is important to start with a soil test to determine the nutrient levels in the soil. This will help determine what type of fertilizer to use, as well as how much should be applied. Generally, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 should be used at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet of planting area. It is also important to make sure that the fertilizer is applied evenly over the entire area and not concentrated in one spot, as this can lead to overfertilization and damage to the plants.
In addition to using a balanced fertilizer, many gardeners also choose to add additional nutrients such as calcium and magnesium to their soil in order to promote healthy growth and production of fruit. A calcium source such as gypsum can be added at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet of planting area every other year. Magnesium can be added by using Epsom salts or dolomitic lime at a rate of 2 tablespoons per 10 square feet of planting area every year.
It is also important to monitor soil pH levels when growing everbearing strawberries, as they prefer slightly acidic soils with pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil has higher pH levels, sulfur can be added at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet every two years in order to reduce the pH level and make it more acidic for optimal plant growth.
Finally, it is important to water your everbearing strawberries regularly throughout the season in order to keep them hydrated and encourage healthy growth and good yields of fruit. The best time for watering is early morning so that excess moisture has time to evaporate before nightfall – this helps prevent fungal diseases from developing on the plants due to overly wet conditions.
Controlling Weeds In The Strawberry Bed
Weeds can be a serious problem in a strawberry bed, robbing the soil of its nutrients and competing with the plants for water and light. But there are several ways to control weeds in a strawberry bed to keep it healthy and productive. One of the most effective methods is to use mulch, such as straw, grass clippings or newspaper. Mulch not only blocks light from reaching weed seeds, it also helps conserve moisture and keeps the soil cooler, reducing stress on the plants. Other weed control methods include hand-weeding or using herbicides like glyphosate or trifluralin. However, these should be used with caution and according to label instructions. In addition to controlling weeds, it is important to regularly fertilize your strawberry bed with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 for best results. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your strawberry bed free of weeds and maximize its productivity.
Creating Proper Air Circulation In The Strawberry Bed
Creating proper air circulation in a strawberry bed is essential for a successful harvest. Poor air circulation can lead to fungal diseases, which can significantly reduce your yield. To ensure proper airflow, you need to take certain steps such as spacing out the plants, removing excess foliage, and providing adequate ventilation.
When planting the strawberry plants, you should space them out so that they have room to grow and develop without overcrowding each other. This will allow for better air circulation between the plants and help prevent fungal diseases from spreading. Additionally, it’s important to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems as soon as possible to prevent them from contributing to the spread of disease.
Ventilation is another important factor in creating proper air circulation in a strawberry bed. If the bed doesn’t have enough ventilation, hot and humid air can become trapped and create an environment that is conducive to fungal growth. You can provide additional ventilation by placing fans near the bed or using shade cloths over it during hot summer days. Additionally, you should make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the airflow around the bed such as tall grass or shrubs.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your strawberry bed receives adequate airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases affecting your harvest. Properly spaced plants with adequate ventilation will help create an environment that is conducive to healthy plant growth and a successful harvest of delicious strawberries!
Protecting Everbearing Strawberries From Disease And Pest Damage
Everbearing strawberries are a popular fruit for many home gardeners, but they can be vulnerable to disease and pest damage. To protect your everbearing strawberries from disease and pest damage, it is important to follow a few simple steps.
First, make sure to purchase healthy plants from a reputable supplier. When planting, select a location that has good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Be sure to provide adequate spacing between plants so that air can circulate around them. Additionally, be sure to keep the area weed-free, as weeds can harbor pests and diseases.
It is also important to water your everbearing strawberry plants properly. Too much or too little water can lead to disease or pest problems. Be sure to only water the roots of the plants and avoid spraying the leaves. Additionally, mulch around the plants can help keep weeds down and retain soil moisture.
Finally, it is important that you inspect your everbearing strawberry plants regularly for signs of disease or pests. If you find any signs of either, take swift action by removing affected leaves and using appropriate treatments as recommended by your local extension office or plant nursery professional. By following these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy fresh everbearing strawberries in your home garden for many years to come!
Conclusion
Everbearing strawberries are a delightful addition to any garden or landscape. With the proper care and attention, they can provide a steady supply of sweet, delicious fruit for many years. The plants need full sun and consistent watering, along with regular fertilization and pruning. Everbearing plants should be protected from extreme temperatures and pests, as well as given adequate space to grow. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a successful harvest of everbearing strawberries every year.
With minimal effort and maintenance, everbearing strawberries can be grown successfully in any location. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that produces an abundance of sweet fruit over a long season, look no further than everbearing strawberries!
