Are you struggling to grow strawberries successfully? Today, I’m excited to share with you the changes I made this year that finally led to a bountiful strawberry harvest. After five years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed down my top five tips for growing strawberries in a Greenstalk successfully. Let’s dive in!
Choose the Right Varieties
Variety selection plays a crucial role in strawberry success. Instead of opting for generic varieties from big-box stores, consider varieties better suited to your climate. For me, Brilliance and Chandler strawberries have been game-changers. Brilliance, in particular, thrives in Florida’s unique growing conditions, producing large, flavorful berries.
Provide Ample Sunlight
In Florida, the intensity of the sun differs from other regions, requiring full sun exposure for strawberries. Despite my usual advice to provide shade for plants, strawberries in Florida thrive in full sun from morning to night, especially since they are grown during our cooler winter months. Additionally, using a rotating base for growing strawberries in a Greenstalk vertical planters ensures even sunlight exposure for optimal growth.
Focus on Soil Nutrition for Strawberries in a Greenstalk
This year, I discovered the importance of soil nutrition for strawberries. While I typically used a mix of ProMix, perlite, and Berrytone fertilizer, the real game-changer was planting strawberries in straight compost obtained from a local farmer. The nutrient-rich compost resulted in healthier plants and significantly larger berries.
Maintain Consistent Moisture for Strawberries in a Greenstalk
Unlike my previous approach of watering strawberries only when the soil dried out, I adopted a new strategy of keeping the soil consistently moist. Regular watering, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, contributed to plump, juicy berries without compromising sweetness.
Implement Effective Pest and Disease Management
Managing pests and diseases is inevitable, especially in Florida’s humid climate. I tackled fungal issues with a weekly hydrogen peroxide and water mixture, along with pruning affected leaves. For pest control, I used Spinosad and insecticidal soap, applying them in the evening to minimize harm to beneficial insects like bees.
Bonus: Elevate Your Growing Method
Transitioning from traditional raised beds to vertical planters like the GreenStalk system proved instrumental in reducing pest and disease pressure. Elevating the plants off the ground not only deterred pests but also minimized soil-borne diseases, resulting in a higher yield of pristine strawberries.
By following these five tips and elevating my growing method, I’ve finally achieved a bountiful strawberry harvest beyond my expectations. Implementing these strategies can lead to sweet success in growing strawberries. Happy gardening!
