May strawberries

**llama momma** 5/28/2015, 1:04 pm

So far I've picked and demolished the first pound of lovely strawberries over the past 2 days. If I grew nothing else I'd still be a satisfied square foot gardener. Razz

littlejo 5/28/2015, 10:13 pm

+1

CitizenKate 5/28/2015, 10:49 pm

What types do you grow, llama momma?

**llama momma** 5/28/2015, 11:51 pm

CK
Earliglow is the variety I grow. Ohio State University recommends this as one of several varieties for this area. Here is the fact sheet and growing information if you're interested-
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fohioline.osu.edu%2Fhyg-fact%2F1000%2F1424.html&ei=WuFnVZhhlN2wBNKDgqAF&usg=AFQjCNFs1uQW30AR5cjs3WhwnXlJiHHjZQ&sig2=irpvkwqsUMejXqb4MmeqZA&bvm=bv.93990622,d.cWc

You can find what varieties to plant, By State -
http://strawberryplants.org/2010/10/strawberry-varieties-by-state/#KS

**llama momma** 6/4/2015, 12:03 pm

Gosh I love strawberries. This mornings haul was a pound and a half. So far 6-1/2 pounds over the past week or so. Since hubby isn't crazy over them, I'm in berry heaven.
The spinach below is a comparison between regular spinach and the larger viroflay variety.
strawberries - May strawberries Unname10

strawberries - May strawberries Unname10

**Kelejan** 6/4/2015, 12:43 pm

llama momma wrote:So far I've picked and demolished the first pound of lovely strawberries over the past 2 days. If I grew nothing else I'd still be a satisfied square foot gardener.

I love my first 4x4 of strawberries that are reaching their zenith this year. The plot is loaded with green berries just waiting for the warmth and sunshine promised for the at least the next three days.

Meanwhile my second bed is busily growing from the babies planted last fall and ready to take over/add to next year's bed.

**llama momma** 6/4/2015, 1:29 pm

Kelejan
Strawberries are wonderful aren't they? Someone here said they don't rip out any old plants, they just let the runners take off and take over. The strong ones survive, the old and weak die off. So simple.

I keep a grid of coated plastic clothesline intact. It's above the soil surface by a couple inches and its perfect for guiding my hands through the thick plant harvest square by square and not overlook any ripe berries. Another advantage is to lay the heavy bent over stems of berries on the clothesline grid or against other plants. Keeps the berries above the mulch and soil surface. The results are minimal little 'bite marks' maybe less than 3% damage. I couldn't be happier.

**sanderson** 6/4/2015, 3:47 pm

LM, 6 1/2 lbs in a week!! Very Happy

CapeCoddess 6/4/2015, 4:41 pm

llama momma wrote:Gosh I love strawberries. This mornings haul was a pound and a half. So far 6-1/2 pounds over the past week or so. Since hubby isn't crazy over them, I'm in berry heaven.
The spinach below is a comparison between regular spinach and the larger viroflay variety.

Mine are just starting to blush!

**donnainzone5** 6/4/2015, 4:52 pm

How many berry plants do you have? Which variety(ies)?

I agree: Monstreuex de Viroflay is a real giant! You simply cannot plant the standard nine seeds per square foot; five is pushing it! It's also quite tasty.

**llama momma** 6/4/2015, 5:05 pm

Sanderson
In my nearly 60 years I've never eaten this many, and I'm not complaining either. Smile

CC
That's great they are blushing! You'll be enjoying strawberries very shortly. Mm-Mmm-Good!

Donna
The 'Earliglow' variety is recommended for this area There are 24 squares spread over 2 boxes. They all started out with 4 per square, but its currently too thick to know exactly what's in there. So I don't know if my harvest is good or bad. It's a joy to have fresh berries in the back yard and not pay high prices for organic at the store.
And yes viroflay is the way to go, more bang for your buck!

**donnainzone5** 6/4/2015, 5:13 pm

I have just the one 4 x 4, each square planted with four strawberry plants. I didn't fertilize last fall (after a disappointing harvest), but poured some compost tea on the bed this spring.

The plants have really taken off, and the neighborhood children constantly marvel at them. However, there aren't a great many blossoms yet, and I wonder if I overdid the feeding. If so, is there a remedy, other than time?

BTW, I have a mixture of June- and everbearing strawberries. There are several varieties that do well here, but I like to experiment with some lesser-known, hardy ones (down to Zone 4, if possible).

**llama momma** 6/4/2015, 5:39 pm

donnainzone10 wrote: However, there aren't a great many blossoms yet, and I wonder if I overdid the feeding. If so, is there a remedy, other than time?

If there is too much nitrogen I wonder if you can over water it to flush it out? Anyway, that's my cheap advice if you're concerned about too much N.

**donnainzone5** 6/4/2015, 5:59 pm

I can always give that suggestion a try. We're headed for some warm-to-hot weather over the next week or so, so I'd better get started.

At least the plants look healthy!

vortex 6/4/2015, 9:12 pm

I've pulled 8 gallons off my two 4x4 beds so far in just over 3 weeks. Getting about a gallon every 2-3 days, half off each bed.

Chowed down on 2 of those, the rest magically turned into jam. I have what I call a magic box. I put berries in it, send it off with my Mom, and it comes back with pints of jam. Magic I tell ya!

Seriously though, it's a pretty nice deal. I grow, she picks up, makes the jam, and we split it. Not a bad deal at all. Not to mention she makes really killer jam.

Lots more to come, too. I've got 15 pints so far, and still going. 2/3 will probably end up in jam. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Very Happy

littlejo 6/4/2015, 11:10 pm

I have approx. 140 plants+. My DH made 2 strawberry beds, 4 levels, each level approx 6 in wide, so I planted 6 in. apart, thus giving room for new growing plants. I have been eating fresh ones for several wks. (Didn't count how many)
I've been putting the extras in the freezer to make jam later. The plants either have berries on or are blooming. Most are everbearing so berries til fall!

Vortex
You are very lucky to have a great Mom to make jam for you!

**AtlantaMarie** 6/5/2015, 7:54 am

Vortex - can you get her to share her jam recipe? I'm always looking for good ones.

I made some strawberry jam & strawberry-peach jam a few days ago that's really good. DH was quite happy.

I'd be happier if they were our own strawberries! Oh, well, maybe next year... Rolling Eyes

vortex 6/5/2015, 9:46 am

I'll see if she will let me have it. Could go either way.

I did manage to get hold of her relish recipe, and that stuff is to die for. I'll dig it up over the weekend and start a thread with it. That stuff is killer. I use it in tons of things. From on top of dogs, brats, and burgers to potato salad, tuna salad, and anywhere in between.

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