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| These June-bearing White Strawberries were huge bearers in our garden. They have a slight (but delightful) pineapple flavor. I don't know their variety because they were a freebie from a Farmer Market connection. Yay freebies! |
Few things rival the joy of biting into a sun-ripened strawberry plucked straight from the garden. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a balcony container gardener, strawberries are a rewarding crop with rich rewards. Let’s dig into the difference between types, how to grow them well, keep them healthy, and—of course—enjoy them with three delicious recipes.
June-bearing vs. Everbearing Strawberries
- June-bearing strawberries produce a single, heavy crop each year—typically in June. They yield the most fruit all at once, making them great for preserving or big-batch cooking.
- Popular varieties: ‘Honeoye’ (early), ‘Cavendish’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Jewel’.
- Everbearing strawberries offer smaller harvests throughout the growing season, typically one crop in spring and another in late summer to early fall.
- Popular varieties:* ‘Ozark Beauty’, ‘Seascape’, ‘Quinault’, and ‘Evie-2’.
Choose June-bearers if you want a large seasonal harvest; go with everbearers for fresh snacking all summer long.
Planting Tips: Beds, Containers, or Vertical Towers
Strawberries thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. You can plant them:
- In raised beds or rows with mulch or straw to suppress weeds and keep berries clean.
- In hanging baskets or pots for small spaces—perfect for everbearing.
- Vertical planters or strawberry towers make efficient use of space and help with drainage and air circulation.
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| Strawberry Towers (Amazon) |
Space plants about 12–18 inches apart. Remove the first blooms on new plants to encourage strong roots.
Companion Plants That Love Strawberries
These companions help strawberries thrive:
- Spinach, lettuce, and bush beans – Improve soil quality and reduce pests.
- Thyme, borage, and chives – Attract pollinators and repel pests.
- Garlic and onions – Deter aphids and spider mites.
Avoid planting near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) which compete for
Feeding Strawberries with Household Nutrients
- Coffee grounds – Lightly acidic and rich in nitrogen. Mix into compost or sprinkle around plants early in the season.
- Banana peels – High in potassium. Chop and bury around the roots or blend into compost tea.
- Crushed eggshells – Add calcium and deter slugs.
- Compost from veggie scraps – Spread as mulch in early spring and after harvest.
Feed strawberries in early spring, after flowering, and again in late summer
Natural Pest Control for Strawberries
Common pests include:
- Slugs and snails – Use crushed eggshells, beer traps, or copper tape.
- Aphids – Spray with soapy water or neem oil.
- Spider mites – Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Birds – Protect berries with netting or use reflective tape.
Keep beds weeded and rotate crops to prevent disease buildup.
Preserving the Harvest
- Freezing: Wash, hull, and freeze berries in a single layer before transferring to bags.
- Drying: Slice and dry in a dehydrator for snacks or cereal toppers.
- Jam & syrup: Make small-batch strawberry jam or syrup for year-round treats.
- Fermentation: Try a probiotic strawberry vinegar or shrub.
3 Fresh Strawberry Recipes
🍓 1. Strawberry-Basil Salsa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: minced jalapeño for heat
Directions:
Mix all ingredients. Chill 30 minutes before serving. Great with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled tofu or vegan burgers.
🍓 2. Strawberry Chia Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Directions:
Simmer strawberries and maple syrup for 10 minutes. Stir in chia seeds and lemon juice. Let cool and thicken for 15–20 minutes. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
🍓 3. Strawberry-Coconut Popsicles
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups strawberries
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1–2 tbsp agave or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4+ hours.
With a little planning, a patch of strawberries can yield months of joy—on the vine, in the kitchen, and at the table. Happy growing!
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