15. Growing Strawberries

July 2019

This season, I’ve been experimenting with different ways of growing strawberries. James Wong’s “Growing for Flavour” is what inspired me to try; a book with an interesting mix of the latest botanical research and advice for growing specific crops.

The first batch of strawberries were planted in one of the metal raised beds under bright red sheeting. According to JW this bright red sheeting helps to trigger strawberries to supercharge their flavour, and that did seem to be the case for me. This batch produced the largest and tastiest strawberries with a very intense flavour.

The second batch were grown on a specially purchased strawberry table. I planted them in two grow bags laid out on the raised stand, allowing the strawberries to tumble down. This method was less successful crop-wise and much higher maintenance - the plants needed very frequent watering.

The third batch was planted in an old wheelbarrow, lined with weed membrane and with drainage holes in the bottom. This produced the most prolific and longest lasting crop with small but tasty fruit. I was expecting the birds to help themselves to these, but they seem to have escaped unscathed.

And the verdict at the end of the season? Batch 1 definitely had the best tasting strawberries, and they were the largest and glossiest. Batch 3 produced the most prolific crop with small but tasty fruit. Batch 2 was the most disappointing: a lot of work required for a not great harvest.

The conclusion is that the red sheeting and wheelbarrow methods are the ones I will carry forward to next year. The strawberry table will be repurposed for tomato planters, I think.