What To Know
- Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles over your strawberry plants in late fall to insulate them from the cold.
- Growing strawberries in Saskatchewan may require a bit more effort than in other climates, but the reward of fresh, homegrown berries is well worth it.
- With proper planning, care, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the sweet taste of success in your own backyard.
Saskatchewan’s climate, with its long, cold winters and short, hot summers, might seem daunting for strawberry lovers. But fear not! With a little planning and some smart gardening techniques, you can enjoy delicious, homegrown strawberries even in the heart of the prairies. This guide will walk you through the steps of growing strawberries in Saskatchewan, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your sweet rewards.
Selecting the Right Strawberry Variety
The key to successful strawberry growing in Saskatchewan lies in choosing varieties that thrive in our unique climate. Look for varieties known for their cold hardiness and disease resistance. Some popular options include:
- “Honeyoye”: This variety boasts excellent winter hardiness and produces large, flavorful berries.
- “Earliglow”: An early-maturing variety, “Earliglow” offers good disease resistance and a sweet taste.
- “Tribute”: Known for its high yield and exceptional flavor, “Tribute” is a reliable choice for Saskatchewan gardens.
- “Surecrop”: This variety is a good choice for beginners, as it’s easy to grow and produces consistently.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Strawberries thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5). Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Choose a Sunny Spot: Strawberries need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Amend the Soil: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
3. Test the pH: Use a soil testing kit to determine your soil’s pH. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to lower it.
4. Remove Weeds: Thoroughly remove any existing weeds before planting.
5. Create Rows: Space your strawberry rows 18-24 inches apart.
Planting Your Strawberry Plants
Once your garden bed is ready, you can plant your strawberry plants:
1. Choose Healthy Plants: Look for plants with healthy, green leaves and a vigorous root system.
2. Space Your Plants: Space your plants 12-18 inches apart within the rows.
3. Plant Deeply: Plant your strawberry plants so that the crown (where the roots meet the leaves) is level with the soil surface.
4. Water Thoroughly: Water your newly planted strawberries deeply to help them establish roots.
Watering and Fertilizing
Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Here’s how to keep them happy:
- Water Regularly: Water your strawberry plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like straw or wood chips, around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize: Fertilize your strawberry plants with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring and again after harvest.
Protecting Your Strawberry Plants
Saskatchewan’s harsh winters can pose a challenge for strawberries. Here’s how to protect your plants:
- Winter Mulch: Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles over your strawberry plants in late fall to insulate them from the cold.
- Row Cover: Use a row cover to protect your plants from frost damage in early spring.
- Bird Netting: Protect your ripening berries from birds with bird netting.
Harvesting Your Strawberry Bounty
The anticipation of harvesting your own strawberries is one of the joys of gardening. Here’s what to expect:
- First Harvest: Your strawberry plants will likely produce their first crop in the second year after planting.
- Harvest Regularly: Pick your strawberries when they are ripe, as indicated by their bright red color and sweet aroma.
- Enjoy! Now it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor and enjoy your delicious, homegrown strawberries.
Beyond the Harvest: Maintaining Your Strawberry Patch
To ensure a bountiful harvest year after year, follow these maintenance tips:
- Prune: After harvest, prune your strawberry plants to remove any dead or diseased leaves.
- Renew: To keep your strawberry plants productive, renew them every 3-4 years by dividing and replanting them.
Strawberry Success: A Sweet Ending
Growing strawberries in Saskatchewan may require a bit more effort than in other climates, but the reward of fresh, homegrown berries is well worth it. With proper planning, care, and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the sweet taste of success in your own backyard.
What You Need to Know
Q: When should I plant my strawberry plants in Saskatchewan?
A: The best time to plant strawberries in Saskatchewan is in early spring, after the last frost.
Q: How do I protect my strawberry plants from frost damage?
A: You can use a row cover to protect your plants from frost damage in early spring.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect strawberries in Saskatchewan?
A: Some common pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Common diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Q: How long can I expect my strawberry plants to last?
A: With proper care, your strawberry plants can last for 3-4 years before they need to be renewed.
