Sensitive Strawberries

STRAWBERRIES

Today, lets talk about strawberries. We will cover varieties, planting and care, a great strawberry jam recipe, and what sensitive plants are.

"So many varieties to choose from?" You may be asking yourself. I personally like the everbearing varieties such as: 'Alexandria' a small red alpine type, 'Fort Laramie' very cold hardy, 'Ozark beauty' large berries, and 'Tristan' large berries (these are what I grow in my garden). You can also grow June bearing varieties such as: 'Benton' firm flavorful berries, 'Chandler' large juicy berries, 'Sequoia' very tasty. there are also alpine variety strawberries that grow a little smaller, heavy producers, and are the closest thing to a wild strawberry. My suggestion is to pick a variety that best suits your climate.

As far as planting you can choose to grow them in strawberry pots, on hilled rows, or matted rows. Just remember that strawberry plants loose their vigor after 2-3 years. Some people replant their strawberries every fall to keep the same strong production. When planting in strawberry pots and hilled rows you really have to watch how dried out the plants become. You need to water your strawberries regularly for consistent production. As far as mulch, strawberries like to have fresh mulch each year. They do really well with either alfalfa stems and leaves mulched in and around them or alfalfa pellets work great too. In colder climates make sure that you cover your berries with a thick layer of leaves or straw to keep the plants from freezing over the winter. When the weather warms pull the leaves or straw back to reveal the plants to sunlight. I try to uncover mine at the end of March beginning of April when the rains begin. Strawberries are easy to maintain with a little care. Watch you pests and take care as needed. A great home-remedy recipe consists of:
1 head of garlic
1 TBSP dish soap (bleach free)
2 TBSP vegetable oil
2 cups water
Peel the garlic and puree the cloves along with the oil and water. Allow to sit over night and then strain the mixture. Add the soap and mix toughly. Pour into a spray bottle and use on pest infected plants. (Kind of Stinky)

As for strawberries, keep an eye on your production yield and replace plants a needed. Strawberries are fun to and easy to grow. There is nothing better than a soft sweet homegrown strawberry.

For the Sensitive Plant has no bright flower;

Radiance and odour are not its dower;

It loves, even like Love, its deep heart is full,

It desires what it has not, the beautiful.

        Shelley—The Sensitive Plant. Pt. I.

Sensitive plants (Mimosa pudica) is a tender perennial that blooms in summer and is 1-2 feet tall. Their leaves are a tropical wonder and move right before your eyes when touched. I started this blog to share my ideas, tips and beliefs. We are all like the sensitive plant when we are hurt we shrink back and fall down just like a sensitive plant. We to depend on Jesus to lift us back up when we fall down.

Strawberry Jam Recipe:

Quick and easy Strawberry Jam-

2 qt. strawberries, washed and stemmed

1 pkg (1 ¾ oz.) powdered fruit pectin

6 ¾ cups sugar

1. Crush strawberries and measure 4 ½ cups of berries into a large stockpot. Stir in pectin and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently. Add sugar and return to a full rolling boil. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Fill sterilized jars, seal, and process jars, leaving ¼ inch head space and processing for 10 minutes in boiling water canner.

Remove jars from water; let stand undisturbed, at room temperature for 24 hours. To check seals, remove the bands and press down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t move, the jar is sealed. If the lid depresses and pops up again, the jar is not sealed. Store properly sealed jars in cool, dark place up to one year. Refrigerate after opening. Makes 7 half pints.

Sources:

Botanical Interests: High Quality Seed Catalog

The Edible Garden By Sunset Magazine