Secrets for Shielding Your Strawberries from Pests and Illnesses
Strawberries: The Obsession in PDX
Who knew getting passionate about strawberries could be a thing? But once you've tried growing your own in Portland, you'll understand why they're so beloved. However, the reality hits hard when you realize a significant chunk of your berries will be lost to bugs, wildlife, and diseases. With our short summers, it's essential to minimize those losses, and I've got some tips for safeguarding these delectable garden gems.
Elevation is Key
Strawberries are a ground cover, spreading through runners to generate new plants. They bloom berries at the ends of their stems, which typically touch the ground. This puts them at risk of extended soil moisture, easy bug access, and harder spotting for you. The solution? Keep strawberries away from the ground.
There are numerous options, from the traditional strawberry planter to the modern lightweight variety, or even gutters elevated above ground for a unique vertical depiction. I've attempted a DIY vertical planter, with varying degrees of success. These alternatives have common benefits and potential drawbacks. Since you're not working with traditional soil, the plants have limited rooting space and require soil with moisture-retaining additives, such as potting soil, which often includes vermiculite and perlite. This soil mix, along with the right acidic pH and regular watering, helps guarantee moisture while avoiding oversaturation. The downside? Your plants may not survive through the winter, so expect to replace them annually.
However, the payoff is worth it: ideal exposure to sunlight, air circulation to deter pests, and berries that are easy to spot and pick. Plus, you free up space for other plants in your garden.
Modern Strawberry Planters
If vertical growth isn't your thing, ground cover might be your only option. In that case, strawberry supports may pique your interest. These small trellises keep your plants elevated, preventing contact with the ground. The key is to install the supports early in the season while the plant is still young and small. They're simple to obtain from various suppliers, and you can even design and 3D print them yourself. If using supports on the ground, additional pest protection measures are recommended.
Beat the Pests
No ground cover means a pest battle could be on the horizon. Common strawberry predators like pill bugs can be managed using diatomaceous earth, a silica-based powder, but it requires multiple applications. Slugs are a different story – diatomaceous earth won't do the trick. For effective slug control, opt for Sluggo, an iron phosphate-based treatment. Remember, Sluggo builds up in the soil, so avoid overuse.
Birds also pose a threat, and while it may sound suspicious, painting rocks the same red hue as strawberries and placing them among the plants can deter them. Over time, birds will peck at the rocks instead of the berries, eventually learning to avoid the patch.
So there you have it – the secrets to growing healthy strawberries in Portland. With these tips, you're well on your way to a plentiful and pest-free harvest!
Modern Lightweight Strawberry Planter $27.20 at Amazon3 Tier Strawberry Self Watering Planter $27.99 at AmazonTall Strawberry Tower $45.99 at Amazon $59.99 Save $14.00
Here are the sentences containing the given words:
- For a unique vertical depiction of strawberries, consider getting a modern lightweight strawberry planter like this one available for $27.20 at Amazon.
- To protect strawberries from bugs and pests in a ground cover setting, using strawberry supports such as the simple-to-obtain, DIY-designable trellises can help keep your plants elevated and healthy.
