Saturday, October 08, 2011

Strawberry Nursery

I'm pulling out my strawberry bed. They will stay productive for about three to four years if renovated and maintained. Mine's been in the same spot in my garden under the watchful eye of Mr. Bunny ever since the float was built by John in 2003.

It's also time to rotate the location. The plants will get some refreshed soil and the grubs they leave behind will lose their hosts and die.

Strawberries send out runners from the mother plants to propagate new ones. At the beginning of the season, I remove all runners so the plants will use their energy for berry production. At the end of the season, I let the runners root themselves. As I am pulling up the old strawberry plants, I'm saving the new clones and placing them in my empty barrels on the deck.

The deep barrel protects the small plants from the fall and winter winds. The sides of the barrels reflect the sun on the soil, enhancing the warmth. Here's the nursery for my new strawberry bed to be planted next spring. And because these strawberries are clones from the mother plants, I know they will be good producers. -- Margy

5 comments:

  1. Wow, how wonderful is that?
    You are SO smart, Margy. Here's to next year's crop!!

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  2. I like tha idea, one that I am definitely going to copy, thank you x

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  3. Kay and Fran - Thnaks for being such faithful readers. I hear this winter might have extra snow and cold temperatures. I may need to cover the pot if that happens. But usually they stay alive, but dormant until the spring. - Margy

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  4. what a brilliant idea! thanks for sharing. :)

    have a great day!

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  5. I don't know their leaves are also beautiful. I love eating strawberry very much.

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy