Growing Your Own Strawberries

 

  Strawberries are one of the most nutritious and delicious fruits that nature provides. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants strawberries are good for your heart, blood pressure and cholesterol. Strawberries are a great dessert or snack even by themselves. They are commonly used in a variety of cakes, pies, ice cream and salads.

  The strawberry plant thrives in most climates. However if the temperature in your location drops below the freezing mark frequently in the winter months you may need to protect your plants. If they are in containers, they can be put in a barn or other outside building. Or if you have too many to move you can cover them with hay and plastic or shade cloth.

  During the fall and winter months the strawberry leaves take on a reddish color. In the springtime they return to bright green and the plants will begin to produce runners. A new plant will grow from each

runner so if you want to increase the amount of plants you have be sure to keep the runners turned carefully in the direction that you want them to take root. If you want your existing plants to produce more fruit, clip the runners off. To keep your plants healthy make sure the crown of each plant is not buried in the dirt, which may cause them to rot.

  Also in the early spring you will begin to see white blooms on your plants and the strawberries will follow. It is exciting to watch the process of nature as it transforms a tiny stem into a leafy, green, fruit-bearing plant!
 
  Strawberries can be planted almost anywhere you want them. There are many varieties for you to choose from. You may want to do some research to find which variety is best suited to your area.

  They make beautiful hanging baskets for your porch or yard. You can plant them in terra cotta pots made with openings for planting around the sides of the pot. They can be planted in rows in your vegetable garden or in any type spot where you might plant flowers. Wooden barrels make a pretty addition to your yard and are a great place to grow strawberries.

  Some farmers who grow large fields of strawberries use raised beds. The rows are heaped several inches high with rich dirt and the plants are set out in a row along the top of the bed. Hay is usually placed around the plants with a sprinkling on top. This method not only helps the plants hold in moisture but also hides the red berries from birds looking for food.

  The soil should be kept loose and moist but not wet around your plants. It is always good to enrich your soil with compost. You will find that this will increase your yield of berries.

  Also keep in mind that a pretty pot of healthy strawberry plants makes a very nice gift. Not only will you be giving a living thing that will be enjoyed as it grows but also a gift that will produce juicy, delicious fruit as a bonus!