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| These June-bearing White Strawberries were huge bearers in our garden. They have a slight (but delightful) pineapple flavor. I don't know their variety because they were a freebie from a Farmer Market connection. Yay freebies! |
Few things rival the joy of biting into a sun-ripened strawberry plucked straight from the garden. Whether you’re a backyard grower or a balcony container gardener, strawberries are a rewarding crop with rich rewards. Let’s dig into the difference between types, how to grow them well, keep them healthy, and—of course—enjoy them with three delicious recipes.
June-bearing vs. Everbearing Strawberries
- June-bearing strawberries produce a single, heavy crop each year—typically in June. They yield the most fruit all at once, making them great for preserving or big-batch cooking.
- Popular varieties: ‘Honeoye’ (early), ‘Cavendish’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Jewel’.
- Everbearing strawberries offer smaller harvests throughout the growing season, typically one crop in spring and another in late summer to early fall.
- Popular varieties:* ‘Ozark Beauty’, ‘Seascape’, ‘Quinault’, and ‘Evie-2’.
Choose June-bearers if you want a large seasonal harvest; go with everbearers for fresh snacking all summer long.
Planting Tips: Beds, Containers, or Vertical Towers
Strawberries thrive in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. You can plant them:
- In raised beds or rows with mulch or straw to suppress weeds and keep berries clean.
- In hanging baskets or pots for small spaces—perfect for everbearing.
- Vertical planters or strawberry towers make efficient use of space and help with drainage and air circulation.
Space plants about 12–18 inches apart. Remove the first blooms on new plants to encourage strong roots.
Find Strawberry Towers above also at Amazon.ca (Canada)
Companion Plants That Love Strawberries
These companions help strawberries thrive:
- Spinach, lettuce, and bush beans – Improve soil quality and reduce pests.
- Thyme, borage, and chives – Attract pollinators and repel pests.
- Garlic and onions – Deter aphids and spider mites.
Avoid planting near brassicas (like cabbage and broccoli) which compete for
Feeding Strawberries with Household Nutrients
- Coffee grounds – Lightly acidic and rich in nitrogen. Mix into compost or sprinkle around plants early in the season.
- Banana peels – High in potassium. Chop and bury around the roots or blend into compost tea.
- Crushed eggshells – Add calcium and deter slugs.
- Compost from veggie scraps – Spread as mulch in early spring and after harvest.
Feed strawberries in early spring, after flowering, and again in late summer
Natural Pest Control for Strawberries
Common pests include:
- Slugs and snails – Use crushed eggshells, beer traps, or copper tape.
- Aphids – Spray with soapy water or neem oil.
- Spider mites – Hose off with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Birds – Protect berries with netting or use reflective tape.
Keep beds weeded and rotate crops to prevent disease buildup.
Preserving the Harvest
- Freezing: Wash, hull, and freeze berries in a single layer before transferring to bags.
- Drying: Slice and dry in a dehydrator for snacks or cereal toppers.
- Jam & syrup: Make small-batch strawberry jam or syrup for year-round treats.
- Fermentation: Try a probiotic strawberry vinegar or shrub.
3 Fresh Strawberry Recipes
🍓 1. Strawberry-Basil Salsa
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| Strawberry-Basil Salsa (AI-generated image) |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: minced jalapeño for heat
Directions:
Mix all ingredients. Chill 30 minutes before serving. Great with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled tofu or vegan burgers.
🍓 2. Strawberry Chia Jam
Strawberry-Chia Refrigerator Jam
(AI generate photo)
(AI generate photo)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and mashed
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Directions:
Simmer strawberries and maple syrup for 10 minutes. Stir in chia seeds and lemon juice. Let cool and thicken for 15–20 minutes. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
🍓 3. Strawberry-Coconut Popsicles
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| Strawberry-Banana Popsickles (AI-generated image) |
- 1½ cups strawberries
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1–2 tbsp agave or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4+ hours.
😍
With a little planning, a patch of strawberries can yield months of joy—on the vine, in the kitchen, and at the table. Happy growing!
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