Tart strawberries

TheVickster 6/9/2011, 6:57 am

Just curious if anyone has thoughts about why my strawberries are so tart. I have no idea what kind they are . . . we planted them last year before we realized just how many different varieties there are.

Anyway, I thought maybe we just picked them too soon, so we left a few go another day or so until they were a deeper red - still tart. So we left a few go even longer until they were even darker red (almost maroon and almost mushy) - still a bit tart.

Are we just too impatient? Wait longer? Maybe a deficiency of some sort? More/less water? Fertilizer?

Thanks! =]

**Furbalsmom** 6/10/2011, 7:25 pm

I am more inclined to believe that it is the variety. Several varieties are listed as tart, and more suited to making jams than eating fresh.

Did you eat any of these last year and what was the flavor like then?

TheVickster 6/10/2011, 7:52 pm

Nope, didn't get any last year. Saw a few blossoms in the fall, and the lone berry that ripened was quickly gobbled up by something. Since there were some blossoms late in the season I would guess it's an ever bearing or day neutral. Regardless, perhaps you are right - it may just be the variety.

I have carefully noted all the other varieties we added this year (8 new in addition to the 'mystery' one) so we can compare how each tastes and performs. We've also added bird netting over the square - held above the plants by the pvc frame and anchored with scrap lumber. We haven't lost a single tart strawberry to critters - so far as I can tell!

**Furbalsmom** 6/10/2011, 9:44 pm

The bird netting is a good move.

By the way, your avatar, is it a squash or a melon? It really is interesting.

TheVickster 6/15/2011, 12:50 pm

My avatar is a pic I took last year of a watermelon in my garden and a little frog. 'Sugar Baby' is the melon. Sadly, it never got much bigger and no more developed. I did some reading over the winter and I think it may have fallen victim to mosaic wilt. I have high hopes for this year - hopefully my off-season research will pay off. =]

**Furbalsmom** 6/15/2011, 1:35 pm

for this year's watermelon

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