So, you've decided to dive into the delightful world of growing your own strawberries? Excellent choice! There's truly nothing quite like the taste of a sun-ripened berry, fresh from your own garden. And if you're looking for a reliable starting point, Burpee strawberry plants are a solid bet. They've been around for ages, and with good reason: they're known for quality and a decent range of varieties. Let's get you started with everything you need to know about growing these sweet treats.
This guide will walk you through everything, from choosing the right Burpee strawberry plant for your needs to harvesting those juicy fruits. We'll cover planting, care, and troubleshooting - because let's face it, even the most experienced gardeners face a few challenges along the way. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty (but in a good way!).
This article is designed to be your go-to resource for all things Burpee strawberry plants. We'll use terms like "bare-root strawberries" and "everbearing strawberries" because, well, that's the language of the strawberry grower. Consider this your comprehensive guide, your digital gardening companion, ready to help you cultivate a thriving strawberry patch. Get ready to enjoy fresh strawberries for months to come!
Burpee offers a variety of strawberry plants, and selecting the right one is the first step towards a successful harvest. The type of plant you choose will largely depend on your climate, the space you have available, and your strawberry-eating habits. Burpee typically categorizes strawberries into three main types: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral.
June-bearing strawberries are the classic choice. They produce a large crop all at once, typically in June (hence the name!). They're great if you want a big harvest for jam-making or freezing. Consider varieties like 'Earliglow' or 'Honeoye' from Burpee, as they tend to be reliable performers. These plants produce runners, which are stems that sprout new plants. You will have to keep them in check unless you desire a sprawling patch.
Everbearing strawberries produce two or three harvests throughout the growing season. They're perfect if you want a continuous supply of strawberries, allowing for more frequent fresh consumption. These are great for smaller gardens, pots, and if you just want to graze a few berries at a time. Burpee often carries varieties like 'Ozark Beauty' or 'Quinault' which deliver consistent yields. However, their overall yield might be less than June-bearing varieties.
Finally, day-neutral strawberries are similar to everbearing plants, but the harvest is less affected by daylight hours. They provide a more continuous harvest throughout the growing season, regardless of light. Day-neutral plants are a good option if you live in a climate with fluctuating light conditions. Some of the Burpee options are 'Seascape' and 'San Andreas'.
Once you've chosen your plants, it's time to get planting. Burpee usually ships plants as either bare-root plants or small potted plants. Bare-root plants are dormant plants, which are generally the best value. Don't let the "bare" part intimidate you - planting bare-root strawberries is straightforward.
First things first: prepare the soil. Strawberries thrive in well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost, aged manure, or other organic material to improve drainage and fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH (around 6.0 to 6.5) for optimal growth. Dig a hole that's wide enough to accommodate the plant's roots without crowding them, but deep enough to plant the crown at soil level. For bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting.
Next, plant the plants. Place the plant in the hole, spreading the roots out gently. The crown (the point where the roots meet the stems) should be level with the soil surface. Burying the crown too deeply can lead to rot, while planting too shallow can expose the roots to the elements. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
And finally, space the plants properly. June-bearing strawberries should be planted about 18-24 inches apart, while everbearing and day-neutral varieties can be spaced a little closer, around 12-18 inches. This spacing allows for good air circulation and prevents overcrowding. Mulching around the plants with straw or other organic material helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean.
Proper care is essential for a bountiful strawberry harvest. After planting, consistent watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Water deeply and regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent options for delivering water directly to the roots.
Fertilizing your strawberries is also important. Apply a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for berries in the spring and again after the first harvest (for everbearing varieties). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage and fewer berries. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.
Weeding and pest control are also important. Regular weeding helps prevent weeds from competing with your strawberries for nutrients and water. Mulching can significantly reduce weed growth. Keep an eye out for common strawberry pests and diseases, such as slugs, snails, and fungal infections. Implement control measures as needed, using organic options whenever possible. Consider using a netting to protect your plants from birds and other critters.
The moment we've all been waiting for! Harvesting your strawberries is a rewarding experience. The berries are typically ready to harvest when they are fully red and easily detach from the plant. Gently pull the ripe berries from the stems, being careful not to damage the plant.
Pick your strawberries frequently - every day or every other day - especially during the peak harvest season. This encourages the plant to produce more berries and prevents overripe fruit. Harvest early in the morning, when the berries are cool and the flavors are most concentrated.
Enjoying your harvest is the best part. Fresh strawberries are delicious eaten straight from the plant, but they can also be used in a variety of recipes. Make jams, jellies, pies, and preserves or simply add them to cereal, salads, or desserts. You can also freeze strawberries for later use. The possibilities are endless, and the taste of fresh, homegrown strawberries is unparalleled.
Even the most experienced gardeners encounter challenges. Here's a quick guide to some common strawberry problems and how to fix them:
Water your Burpee strawberry plants deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture frequently and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Drip irrigation is a great option.
The best time to plant Burpee strawberry plants is in the early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. This gives the plants plenty of time to establish their roots before the heat of summer arrives. You can also plant in the fall in milder climates.
Typically, June-bearing Burpee strawberry plants will produce a full crop of fruit in their second year. Everbearing and day-neutral varieties may produce some fruit in their first year, but the full yield will come in the second year.