Strawberry Elsanta - 12 Plants - MARCH DELIVERY

HOW TO PREPARE FOR STRAWBERRY PLANTS

Prepare a good location that gets plenty of sun and is weed free. Strawberry plants grow well in many different types of soils. It is recommended that the soil should have good drainage. If there is no natural drainage, the strawberries should be planted on raised beds. The soil should contain manure and have a pH between 6-7 for best results.

PLANTING

Water your plants thoroughly before planting. Space your plants 30-40cm (12-18") apart in the row. Optimal spacing between rows is 90-100cm (3-4ft) apart for maximum air movement and sunlight. Set plants in the row with the root facing straight down. The middle of the crown should be level with the top of the soil. Soil should be watered after planting to set the strawberry plants in the ground. After the initial watering, the soil will settle and the soil line should be even with the bottom of the crown.

WEED CONTROL

At planting time, the soil should be weed free. After planting, weekly cultivation is recommended to remove weeds when they are small. Place mulch mats or black plastic over raised strawberry plant beds and plant the strawberry plants through the holes, (or punch holes in the top of the plastic) This will greatly reduce weeds from growing around your plants, help conserve ground moisture, and keep the fruit clean.

MULCHING

Strawberries are perennial plants that must endure the elements throughout the winter to survive. Mulching keeps weeds down, conserves moisture, helps keep fruit clean, and adds humus to the soil. Several types of materials can be used for mulching like wheat, barley or oat straw. Wood chips can also be used, but it is best to avoid materials like leaves because they tend to mat down and smother plants. Remove mulch from the top of the crowns in the spring when new growth starts. Avoid removing the mulch too early, because you may accelerate blossoming and increase the susceptibility to frost damage. Leaving the mulch in the aisles will help keep the fruit clean.

GENERAL TIP

If possible, avoid planting strawberries in soils that potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes have previously been grown in. These crops may harbour the fungal disease Verticillium that can infect your newly planted strawberries.