Growing Strawberries in Georgia- Part Two

Last week in part one of this two part series we discussed growing strawberries in Georgia. This week in part two we continue our look at producing this most delightful and delectable fruit.

Where to Plant Strawberries

Well-drained soil and full sun (8 to 10 hours) are essential for growing strawberries. Although strawberries will grow in shade, the production will be severely reduced and diseases can become a major problem. Good air circulation is essential. Make sure the bed is not sheltered by a fence, shrub beds, or other taller garden plants. The bed may be in place for three years or more, so locate it where it will not be disturbed and will not interfere with other gardening operations. Strawberries are susceptible to verticillium wilt, a fungus disease that infects the soil and plants growing in it. Do not plant strawberries where potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, etc. have been grown in the preceding five years.

How to Plant Strawberries

Prepare the soil as you would for a vegetable garden. Be sure to kill off perennial weeds such as Bermuda grass or nutgrass using a non-selective herbicide. Till the soil to make a fine seedbed, making sure the soil is finely broken up. Buy certified virus-free plants if possible. When plants arrive from the supplier, protect them from drying out until you can plant them by refrigerating them. If wrapped in plastic they will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Be sure to keep the bed free of weeds and irrigate if the rain is insufficient. Strawberries need 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Fertilizer should be applied two more times during the second and subsequent growing season. In mid-July, broadcast three pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer over the bed. The last application should be applied in mid to late September by broadcasting four pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer over the bed. Don’t forget to apply when the foliage is dry, and sweep the leaves free of fertilizer.

How to Harvest Strawberries

•Fruit is typically ready for harvest 4-6 weeks after blossoming.

•Harvest only fully red (ripe) berries, and pick every three days.

•Cut by the stem; do not pull the berry, or you could damage the plant.

•For June-bearer strawberries, the harvest will last up to three weeks. You should have an abundance of berries, depending on the variety.

Winter Care of Strawberries

Strawberry plants are perennial. They are naturally cold-hardy and will survive mildly freezing temperatures. So, if your area has mild winters, little care is needed.

•When the growing season is over, mow or cut foliage down to one inch. This can be done after the first couple of frosts or when air temps reach 20°F (-6°C).

•Mulch plants about four inches deep with straw, pine needles, or other organic material.

•In even colder regions, more insulating mulch should be added.  

•Natural precipitation should appropriately maintain sufficient soil moisture.  

•Remove mulch in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.

Strawberry Pests

You will have few problems with growing strawberries if you start with disease-free plants and provide adequate air circulation and water. If a planting does develop serious diseases, replace it. Your local Extension office can provide you with a spray schedule for specific pests and diseases.

Because there is not much food available for birds when strawberries ripen, birds can be a serious problem. The most effective method to keep them from getting most of the fruit is to cover the planting with bird netting. The net will have to be anchored all the way around the planting, otherwise the birds will walk under it. To anchor the net, place 6 to 8-inch stakes around the planting every two feet. Angle the stakes out away from the rows so that the net can be hooked over the stakes. This will keep the edge of the net close to the ground, and keep the birds from getting under the net. It takes only a few minutes to remove the net for picking, and to replace it after you are through.

Strawberry Varieties

Catalogs list so many varieties that determining how a variety will grow in your yard is difficult. Select some varieties that sound promising and try a few of each to see how they perform. After some trials, you will be able to select varieties that do what you want in your garden. Your county extension office may be helpful in selecting varieties that do well in your particular locality.

I wish you the best as you grow your tasty strawberries!

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