Fresh, organic strawberries are temptingly red, juicy, sweet-smelling and are absolute treats in the warmer months. They not only make delicious snacks on their own, but these summer fruits are also great healthy ingredients to use for a variety of recipes, such as pastries, desserts, salads, jams, jellies and smoothies. But being useful in the kitchen isn’t all there is to strawberries. Here Rose Lidell, Food.news, reflects on planting strawberries in your garden:

“Fresh strawberries are a delicious, healthy treat. But if you love eating them year-round – whether fresh or as a homemade jam – you may want to learn how to grow your own berries by starting a strawberry patch.

Choose the right kind of strawberry for your garden

Strawberries are divided into two categories: June-bearing (also called spring bearing) and Everbearing.

• June-bearing strawberries are usually larger and juicier than everbearing varieties. They are best for fresh eating, making pies, preserves and strawberry honey jam. The major harvest season of June-bearing strawberries is in late spring to early summer. The berries all ripen over a three- to four-week period, after which the plants are done.
• Everbearing strawberries produce fruit all season long. This variety is best if you need a small supply of fresh strawberries throughout the growing year. Berries from this variety can be eaten fresh or used as a topping on cereal, ice cream, or yogurt. However, everbearing varieties are usually smaller with lower overall yields. The plants also tend to be more compact, which makes them a great choice for patios and planters.

If you plan on making lots of preserves, plant June-bearing strawberries in a perennial patch in your home garden.

Varieties to try for your strawberry patch

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some June-bearing strawberry varieties to consider:

• All-Star – A June-bearing variety with good flavor, size and texture.
• Earliglow – This June-bearing variety produces deep red and shiny berries.
• Ozark Beauty – This everbearing variety suits both cold and warmer climates. Plant Ozark Beauty strawberries if you’re using patio planters or a small patch.

Choose the best spot for your strawberry patch

If you live in an area with cold winters, plant early in the spring. But if you live in a warmer climate with more temperate winters, plant in late fall so you can harvest the first crop the following early spring.”

Read More … Article Source: https://www.food.news/2021-06-19-how-to-start-strawberry-patch-home-garden.html

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