Nothing ushers in summer like fresh-picked strawberries. These perennial fruits are an essential for small-scale homesteads, and growing strawberries is easier than you think!
To make the most of this fleeting, yet oh so sweet taste of summer – we’ve got tips and tricks on growing, picking and preserving all the local strawberries you possibly can.
I promise, you will thank yourself as you make a strawberry smoothie or strawberry muffins come winter.
Strawberries are one of our little homestead’s most anticipated foods by every member of our family. So, we spend some time prepping and loving on the gardens so they produce to their fullest. Here’s how we work at growing great strawberries.
How to Grow Great Strawberries at Home
Strawberries are as close to instant gratification as you can get with a perennial fruit. I recommend planting bare root plants, as you have more choice on suitable varieties. They’re also less expensive than potted plants, and the bare root plants seem to do better in the long run. The catch is you want to plant them in late May, before the heat of summer comes on too strong. You’ll soak the roots for an hour or two before planting. During the first growing season, plan to pinch off the first few buds that form, but let the next rounds of flowers mature to pick fruit later in the season.
Growing Strawberries in Minnesota (Zone 4–5 Tips)
Winter Protection: Cover with 3-4 inches of straw or pine needles after the first hard freeze to protect roots from severe cold.
Frost: Cover flowers in early spring if frost is predicted to avoid blackened, sterile flowers
Birds: Use bird netting to protect ripening fruit.
Slugs: Use beer traps or sand to deter slugs.
Water Well: Consistent moisture (1-2 inches/week)
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