Organic Strawberries? Easier Than You Think!

Having your own vegetable garden or berry plants is not only a great form of outdoor activity but also an excellent way to enjoy fresh, healthy produce. One of the popular choices for many gardeners is strawberries. Why is it worth having your own strawberries? Here are a few positive aspects of having your own strawberries in the garden:

A Wonderful Lesson for Children
Having your own strawberries in the garden can also be an excellent learning opportunity for children. We can teach them about the processes of growth and development of plants, the importance of caring for plants, observing changes in the garden and nature, etc.

Freshness and Taste
The main benefit of having your own strawberries is the ability to consume fresh fruits straight from the garden. Strawberries that are picked and eaten on the same day retain their full flavor and aroma. This experience is irreplaceable compared to store-bought strawberries, which often have to go through a long transportation process.

Control over Quality
Having your own strawberry plants gives full control over the cultivation and protection methods we use. We can avoid artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that may be used in commercial plantations. We can also opt for organic cultivation, using natural plant protection methods.

Saving Money
Having your own strawberry plants can be cost-effective in the long-term perspective. Purchasing plants and their care can be cheaper than regularly buying fresh strawberries in the store, especially during the season when prices are high. Additionally, we can also collect and store seeds from our own strawberries to propagate plants for the following years.

Variety of Varieties
When buying strawberry plants, we have a wide choice of different varieties available on the market. We can choose from early, late, larger or smaller fruits, of different colors and tastes. This allows us to tailor our crops to our culinary and aesthetic preferences.

Transition in Growing Strawberries: What Crops to Avoid and Best Pre-Crops?’

Indeed, it has been proven that there is a correlation between the preceding crop and the height and quality of strawberry yields.
Some strawberry varieties are easily infected by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, the cause of a dangerous root system disease – verticillium wilt.

Therefore, strawberries should not be planted after plants that, due to their susceptibility to this pathogen, may cause its accumulation in the soil. These include blackberries, raspberries, currants, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, as well as cruciferous plants and, of course, strawberries themselves.

Good preceding crops are legumes such as lupin, peas, beans, vetch, onions, and root vegetables like carrot, parsley, celery, beet.
The perfect preceding crops are cereals, rapeseed, mustard, and notably: marigold. Mustard and marigold are especially effective due to their phytosanitary impact on the soil, helping to combat pathogenic fungi such as Verticillium, Phytophthora, Fusarium, and even dangerous soil nematodes.

Strawberries and Diabetes – Sweet and Safe?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that requires strict control of blood sugar levels. Choosing the right foods is key to maintaining stable glucose levels and overall health. One of the frequently asked questions is: Can people with diabetes enjoy fruits, especially berry fruits, such as strawberries? The answer is: yes! Strawberries are tasty, nutritious, and have many benefits for people with diabetes.

Here are a few reasons why it’s worth including strawberries in your diet, even if you have diabetes:

Rich in Nutrients
Strawberries are not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. They contain vitamin C, which supports immunity and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Strawberries are also a source of folic acid, vitamin K, manganese, and other nutrients that support overall health and vitality of the body.

Low Glycemic Index
The glycemic index (GI) is an indicator that measures the impact of consumed food on blood sugar levels. Strawberries have a low glycemic index, which means that after eating them, blood sugar levels will not rise sharply. This means that strawberries do not cause sudden spikes in blood glucose, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.

High Fiber Content
Strawberries are rich in dietary fiber, which has many health benefits, especially for people with diabetes. Fiber helps control blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and absorption of glucose. It also provides a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and maintain a healthy body weight.

Low-Calorie
Strawberries are low in calories, which means they can be consumed without worrying about gaining weight. For every 100 grams of strawberries, there are usually about 30-40 calories. Eating strawberries as snacks can help satisfy appetite and avoid reaching for high-calorie snacks that can negatively affect blood sugar levels.

Ants in the Garden. How to Fight These Uninvited Guests? Ecological Methods

Ants in the garden can be a problem; however, there are several effective ways to deal with these unwelcome guests while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach:

1. Vinegar:
Spray a solution of vinegar and water (in a 1:1 ratio) in places where you see ants. Vinegar is a natural deterrent.

2. Baking soda and powdered sugar:
A mixture of baking soda with powdered sugar can be effective, as ants are attracted to the sugar, and the baking soda kills them after ingestion.

3. Cinnamon:
Sprinkle cinnamon in places where you notice ants. It is a natural repellent.

4. Lemon solution:
Spray areas where ants gather with a solution of water and lemon juice. The acidic smell repels ants.

5. Diatomaceous earth:
This is a natural, non-metallic mineral powder that is effective in combating ants, acting as a desiccant.

6. Cucumber peel pieces:
Placing them in areas where ants gather can help deter them.

7. Crawling plants:
Some plants, such as mint, lavender, or basil, act as natural ant deterrents.

8. Sealing entrances:
Block all potential entrances for ants into the home, including cracks in walls and around windows.

9. Regular cleaning:
Removing food residues and maintaining cleanliness in the garden will help discourage ants.

10. Water barrier:
If you have outdoor pots, you can place them in a bowl of water, creating a barrier that ants cannot cross.

Remember that ants play an important role in the ecosystem, helping in the decomposition of organic matter and soil aeration. Sometimes the best strategy is simply to maintain balance and avoid excessive ant control unless they become a serious problem.

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