Strawberries conjure up the memories of long hot summer evenings, so why not plant a few, as they are very easy to cultivate. Strawberries are low-growing, herbaceous plants that can be grown in containers and in open ground.
Summer-fruiting strawberries produce their fruit over a two to three week period in mid-summer and they are best grown in a warm sunny site. Sandy soils produce earlier crops, well-drained clays produce the heaviest crops and chalky soils do not produce good crops. Soils with a pH of 6-6.5, which are slightly acid, are ideal. Good drainage is vital to avoid soil-borne diseases.
It is very important to use certified stock and always plant in fresh ground where strawberries have not been grown for at least two years. Replace plants every two to three years and remove and burn any old plants nearby to prevent the spread of virus diseases. Remove all weeds and add well-rotted farmyard manure to the soil. It is useful to add an application of general fertiliser to the soil before planting. Space strawberries at 45cm (18ins) apart, in slightly raised beds so that the water runs off. Plant them with the base of the central crown at soil level and after firming in the plants, water well.
Strawberries may also be planted through sheets of black plastic or weed control fabric that smothers the weeds, retains soil moisture and encourages early cropping by warming up the soil. Mark out a 90cm (3ft) wide bed with string and mound up the soil. Dig a narrow trench on either side of the bed and cover with weed control fabric or black plastic remembering to water the soil first. Gently push the edges of the sheeting into the trenches to hold it in place. Cut cross-shapes in the sheeting every 45cms (18ins) apart and plant the strawberries adding some general fertilizer. Tuck the sheeting around the crowns of the plants and water well. Pinch out runners as they appear and before the fruit trusses develop, carefully lay clean, dry straw on fruit which has been plants in open ground. This is not necessary if planted through fabric or plastic. Protect the fruit from birds before they ripen using fruit nets.
Strawberries can also be planted in special strawberry pots. These consist of either plastic or ceramic planters with numerous holes situated around the sides. After drilling sufficient drainage holes in the plastic pots, cover the bottom with a layer of crocks or stones. Using compost with added Johns Innes, plant into the pot by pushing the crown of the strawberries through the holes around the pot. Remember to add a general fertiliser ensuring it is sufficiently mix throughout the compost. Water plants well and remember to use a slug control of your choice over the soil surrounding the fruits.
It is vital to water newly planted strawberries regularly during the growing season especially after flowering as this will promote the quality of the fruit.
There are quite a few pest and diseases that include birds, slugs, aphids, grey mould and botrytis but most can be controlled quite successfully.
Harvest strawberries when fully ripe and eat at once for the best flavour. As soon as the crop has been picked, remove the old foliage, leaving 10cm (4ins) of stem above the young leaves and crowns. Clear away and burn straw to minimize the risks of pest and diseases. It is best to plant with certified stock every two to three years.
JOBS OF THE WEEK.
* Prune shrubs that flower in winter or early spring e.g. Viburnums, Hamamelis mollis and Daphne.
* Stake plants that will need support later on.
* Plant dahlias and begonias in pot in good quality compost.
* Prick out tomatoes, if big enough to handle, into 9cm pots.
* Feed and mulch acid loving plants with ericaceous compost.
