Strawberries can indeed be harvested in the first year, according to a gardening expert, but this is possible only with specific varieties of these summertime treats.
Laid-Back Guide to Harvesting Strawberries: First-Year Plants and Beyond
Who doesn't enjoy the sweet taste of fresh, juicy strawberries, picked right from your very own garden? These delightful treats are within reach, with easy-to-grow strawberries suitable for diverse gardening arrangements. But, should you feast on them right away, or let the plants grow strong for a more bountiful harvest the following year? Let's dive in!
Strawberries, Sunshine, and Soil – The Perfect Combo
Strawberries flourish best when planted in the spring after the frost danger subsides and the soil is workable. Alternatively, you can plant them in early fall to survive the winter, ensuring an early harvest the next season. Whether you opt for bare-root or container-grown strawberries, finding the perfect spot is crucial for a lush and fruitful harvest.
Strawberry plants crave a sunlit scene, with six to eight hours of sunlight each day. A fertile, well-draining soil type also plays a vital role in fostering a bountiful yield. So, whether your strawberries are nestled in the ground, raised beds, or containers brimming with optimal soil for container gardening, a less-than-ideal soil condition or waterlogging could hinder your harvest.
The Great Debate: Picking Strawberries the First Year
So, a question on everyone's mind: should strawberries from the first year be harvested? As it turns out, the answer lies in the type of strawberry plants you're growing.
June-bearing strawberries deliver a single crop each year, whereas ever-bearing types produce two crops (one in summer and another in early fall) and day-neutral strawberries can fruit all season long.
When it comes to June-bearing strawberries, it's common practice to claim all the flowers in the first year, as this helps the plant fortify itself for bigger and better harvests the following years.
However, removing early flowers for ever-bearing and day-neutral types opens up the opportunity for a harvest during the first year.
Be prepared for a small yield in your first year, but don't fret, as the focus here is on nurturing healthy and strong plants. On the bright side, with each passing year, your strawberry plants will yield increasingly larger harvests.
Even after the first year, it's recommended to cull runners to ensure your plants have the energy reserves necessary to excel before reaching their prime. Katie Brines from Stark Bro's puts it this way: 'Strawberry plants achieve their greatest productivity in their second and third years. In order to preserve vigor and fruit size, it's beneficial to replace old plants with new runners every few years.'
Ample Care Leads to Grande Rewards
Fertilizing your strawberries is essential to establishing healthy plants and a successful harvest, especially in the first season. A dose of balanced fertilizer administered in the spring, once the plants have started actively growing, lays the groundwork for strong roots and a slim but satisfying harvest in the first year.
Contributions from expert gardeners such as Dick Zondag, former president and current Garden Doctor for Jung Seed, and Katie Brines from Stark Bro's, offer valuable insights into ensuring the overall health, longevity, and fruitfulness of your strawberry patch.
The Art of Properly Picking Strawberries
As soon as you're ready to pick your hard-earned strawberries, make sure to do so carefully to preserve the delicious essence of these delicate fruits. Lop off the stem with garden snips or pruning shears, or pinch the stem gently with your fingers. Refrain from firmly tugging on the stem, as this could damage the plant or even uproot it, especially in the first year when the plant might not have a fully established root system.
When it's time to indulge, keep an eye out for strawberry plants that have planted their roots in US hardiness zones 4-7. Among the various available options, the ever-bearing 'Seascape' variety, with its fresh taste and resilience in containers or beds, makes for a smart choice.
Equip yourself with a quality set of Felco garden snips to snip those delectable strawberry stems, and an all-purpose balanced fertilizer that'll keep your plants thriving season after season. Happy gardening!
Strawberries can be planted into raised beds for optimal growth, providing a convenient option for home-and-garden gardeners seeking to integrate gardening into their lifestyle. Proper care during the first year, including culling early flowers on ever-bearing and day-neutral types, fosters strong, healthy plants that will yield larger harvests in subsequent seasons.
