Re: [MittleiderMethodGardening] growing strawberries with Mittleider
Similar is often done w fruit trees and beehives. You'd like a gal to mature and grow strong, rather than have her bear as early as possible.
So, strike a compromise? Let 1 runner go, or 2 but remove all strawberries but 1 to sample.
Removing all of everything might be for niche markets. You might have heard that many apples.in Japan are (were in 1990).$5 ea, but they each were perfection.
I tried Albions a bit back - sorta new. V good, sorta big. I allowed 1 runner each and took a few berries, plucking at least half of them.
Wherein lies YOUR purpose lies your personal idea compromise.
I have a personal max of 2 runners per, even if establishing a bed.
I might pluck runner 2 and await the 3rd or 4th which goes in the right direction, OR bury a 4x4 pot and let the errant but desired runner set inti it - and move it when it seems best for it. This can also help you to allow 1.runner per plant at a time so each "baby" gets a full suckle from mom.
So, you have options, not rules, unless rules of thumb or your own personal rules. Let us know what you decide upon and why - ?
Albions are new and protected. You may not sell/barter runners. I thought they were pretty good and quite sweet and red.
I like everbearing for a home garden. This might skew my runner timing thoughts for those who grow seasonal strawberries. Anyone???
I used to grow Sequoia & Quinalt. I'm in a slughtly foggy area and these are uprights... less straw to worry about adding to keep fruits of the soil.
Which did you pick, Terry? And what bed dimensions are they going in or in? This can also affect runner choices. And... Plot your 2nd year runners.
Recent tradition is to replace Moms, 3rd or 4th year, and that is a circling action in runner planning. OLD timers say, 5-7 years. My take is that they accept slightly less production per acre, and /or plant less densely. Some modern growers plant densely, like having hens in egg-factories. Trends are beginning away from that.
With plantings, the Mittleider Method would seem to be an exception. You might space things out more only due to some disease prevalence in your area that calls for more "air," such as powdery mildew. Doubt that affects strawberries. I get it in zuchinni, eventually in late season. Otherwise Mittleider is partly about being able to plant at optimum densities.
BillSF9c
Hi,
I was wondering if it's really necessary to pinch off strawberry blossoms and runners the first year. Many say that this is to establish a good root system so that the strawberries will produce better their 2nd year and beyond. If the strawberry plants are receiving adequate fertilizer from the Mittleider recipes, is this really a necessary step to pinch off blossoms/runners during the first year?
Thanks for any advice!
Teri of NC
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Posted by: Oowonbs <oowonbs@netscape.net>
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