Different varieties significantly differ in terms of their frost resistance or, more broadly, winter hardiness. Many of them have been known for years, and we know that they are excellently adapted to our climatic conditions. They rarely freeze, even in very harsh winters. However, in recent years, many varieties bred in countries with a warmer climate than ours have appeared on the seedling market.โ๏ธ
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Which Strawberry Variety is the Best?
Ha, ha, ha ๐ How should I know?! Thousands of strawberry ๐
varieties are cultivated worldwide, and here in Europe, dozens, if not hundreds. Why so many? The answer is simple โ there is no one, single perfect variety, an unsurpassable model for all other varieties. Each has its advantages, but each (without exception) has its drawbacks. There are early varieties like <b>Vibrant</b> or <b>Honeoye</b>, and there are late ones like <b>Florence</b>. Which are better? There are very fruitful, attractive, and tasty varieties like <b>Elsanta</b>. But what good is that if their frost resistance or susceptibility to root system diseases is more than insufficient? There are very sweet, fruitful, and frost-resistant varieties, like the old, reliable <b>Senga Sengana</b>, but what good is that if it is very susceptible to gray mold (especially in rainy years), and its fruits are not durable?๐ง
ย The conclusion is this:
Should You Cut Strawberry Leaves After Fruiting?
I assume the question concerns traditional, non-repeating varieties. Here we have two schools of thought. One says – cut back, the other – absolutely do not cut back. One thing is certain, if our strawberries look OK after the harvest, meaning there’s no significant disease or pest infestation (especially spider mites) visible on the leaves, the strawberries aren’t overly weedy, they seem to be in good condition and “have life in them”, then, in my opinion, cutting the leaves doesn’t make much sense.๐
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What is the Average Yield of Strawberry Plants?
The answer is complex and depends on various factors such as ๐ the age of the plants, variety, their health, density, water supply during fruit set and growth, soil nutrient content, presence of bees during flowering, etc. However,ย an estimate can be made under certain assumptions. Continue reading “What is the Average Yield of Strawberry Plants?”
Chemical-Free Gardening: Natural Weed Control Methods for Strawberry Cultivation
On large production plantations, the standard for combating weeds is the use of herbicides. Unfortunately, many studies indicate that they are not indifferent to our health, which is why I advise against their use in amateur strawberry cultivation. Weeds, depending on the species, differ in the degree of nuisance. So-called spring ephemeral weeds rarely pose a serious problem, they can be easily pulled out or cut with a hoe and the matter is settled. However, the real challenge may be the so-called perennial weeds, such as couch grass, thistle, or horsetail. Here, pulling or hoeing will not help much, so they should be eliminated before planting strawberries because, in my opinion, planting strawberries in a place heavily “infested with couch grass” makes no sense. Continue reading “Chemical-Free Gardening: Natural Weed Control Methods for Strawberry Cultivation”
Planting Strawberries on Black Plastic: A Practical Approach?
Yes, I am convinced that it is worth taking advantage of this convenience in practice and I strongly encourage it.
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How Long Can You Grow Strawberries in the Same Spot?
On average, strawberries๐ should not be grown in the same spot for more than 2 to 3 years. Extending beyond this period is not advisable as several factors come into play:
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Is It Worth Spending Money on Nursery Strawberry Plants? How Are They Better Than Free Ones From Your Father-in-Law?
Oh, it’s worth it!ย ๐ Seedlings from a nursery and those ‘from the father-in-law’ might look the same at a glance. The truth usually comes out after some time, often when we start harvesting. Believe an old practitioner โ you will never, ever succeed in strawberry cultivation by planting a plantation with ‘crap’. Free seedlings ‘from the father-in-law’ or ‘from the brother-in-law’, especially from a plantation that’s been around for several years, are just an illusory saving. ๐ Continue reading “Is It Worth Spending Money on Nursery Strawberry Plants? How Are They Better Than Free Ones From Your Father-in-Law?”
Which is better for mulching strawberries โ straw or black agrotextile?
Much has been written about the advantages of usingย black agrotextile as mulch. As an old professional, I have no doubts about the purposefulness of its use. But it’s not the only material that can be used for mulching strawberries. Straw, or more precisely, wheat or rye chaff, is equally good as a material that is inexpensive and readily available (unfortunately, not in big cities) and excellently fulfills its role.๐ Continue reading “Which is better for mulching strawberries โ straw or black agrotextile?”
Everbearing Strawberries – The Solution for Those Who Find the Strawberry Season Too Short. Decoration and Tasty Fruits in One.
Example Everbearing Varieties ๐:
- Selva
- Ostara
- San Andreas
This is a group of varieties that, unlike traditional varieties, bloom and bear fruit from late spring to late autumn, in practice – until the first frost. Continue reading “Everbearing Strawberries – The Solution for Those Who Find the Strawberry Season Too Short. Decoration and Tasty Fruits in One.”
