Organic and Commercial Production
Strawberries can be grown in most areas of the United States. Cultivators have been developed for most climates.
Organically grown berries are at a premium. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are not used. Information on planting, pest control, cultivator recommendations, etc., can be obtained from your local Cooperative Extension Service.
Planting systems for strawberries vary according to the environment and the production goals of the grower. The grower has to decide on his priorities. Does he want size, flavor, or some other quality?
Most conventional growers in California and Florida prefer the raised bed. The plants are grown as annuals being transplanted in the late summer of early fall. In some cases the raised beds are fumigated with methyl bromide and then covered for a few weeks with black plastic. At planting time the plastic may be removed, or simply have holes punched to allow for the plants. Of course, the organic grower would not use methyl bromide; he would rely on crop rotation.
Raised beds tend to out-produce flat beds. They provide good drainage, and they also allow the grower easier access to the berries, thus making harvest easier and quicker.
Fertility
June-bearing plants set their fruit buds for next year's crop in the fall; so they must have adequate chilling and the proper amount of fertilizer and water during the late summer. Day-neutral strawberries set their buds throughout the growing season; so they need adequate fertilizer and water all through the year.
Weed Control and Pests
Strawberries must be kept free of weeds, or they will stop bearing. Organic growers usually have to hand weed. Growers and researchers alike are attempting to develop better ways to control weeds. Researchers in the United States prefer the flex-tine harrow, the brush hoe, and the finger weeder rather than the standard rototiller. The most common way to inhibit the growth of weeds is mulch. There are organic mulches, living and killed mulches, and woven synthetic fabric mulch.
Weeds are not the only threats to strawberry production. There are numerous types of insects and mites that feed on strawberries.
- White grubs are primarily a problem in the eastern part of the United States. They are the larvae of May and June beetles, and they can be killed by late-summer or early-fall plowing.
- The strawberry clipper or bud weevil occurs only east of the Rockies. In early spring the adult beetles lay eggs in the buds and cut the stems, causing the flowers to fall off. The clippers are not all bad, however, because the blooms that are left produce much larger fruit.
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The strawberry root worm adults eat the leaves, and the larvae eat the roots and the crowns. The way to control these is to plow the area immediately after the harvest.
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The lygus bug likes day-neutral varieties which bear fruit all during the growing season. The bugs suck the sap from plants and inject toxic saliva which causes the fruits to be deformed.
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Spider mites feed on the leaves of the berry plant, sucking out all the moisture. If mites become a problem, use a soap spray on the underside of the leaves.
- Other pests are aphids, spittlebugs, whiteflies, caterpillars, earwigs, and leafhoppers.
Some of the most common diseases are:
- Botrytis (gray mold) which grows in cool damp weather. Pickers handling infected berries can spread the infection to healthy berries, causing them to rot within two or three days after picking. Leaf spot on leaves and stems are spread by splashing water.
- Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that infects foliage, flowers, and fruit.
- Red stele causes the root's center to turn red, and it can be viable in the soil up to 20 years.
- Anthracnose produces a rust color throughout the crown and causes the plant to die.
Shredding strawberry leaves right after harvest will take care of most pests and diseases. Just make sure the mower is set on the highest setting so that the plant crowns are not damaged.
Strawberries are a high-value crop, but they have a short shelf life and a brief marketing season. They must be picked with care to prevent bruising. The berries must be firm, bright red, and free from damage and disease. Strawberries in the supermarket have been picked before they are fully ripe, and the taste is not good. Small and local growers can provide must better and fresher fruit. Strawberries are well suited for the small local roadside stands and pick-your-own gardens.
