The U.P. Strawberry Season

Gardeners who grow strawberries in the U.P. of Michigan usually choose the June bearing or Spring bearing plants. Just thirty plants can provide the right amount of fresh strawberries for a family of four. Because of another late spring, gardeners will probably enjoy the fruits of their labor near the summer solstice and up around the July 4th holiday.

The first two years I grew strawberries, I faced high drama on the Yooper plains with the fur (chippers) and feather (ravens) thievery of my almost ripe berries. I took action last year and tried two methods of varmint vengeance. I bought netting from the local hardware and covered the berries. I also tied a cayenne pepper soaked rag in each corner of my plot. These methods worked because I remember bowls of fresh berries on the table through July ’08.  Right now, I notice that under the netting my strawberry plants have white flowering berries that will ripen easily with the next batch of sunshine.

After the strawberry season, renovation is an important part of strawberry care in the U.P. In order to insure good fruit production next year, cut down plant leaves one inch above the crowns after your berry harvest. Rake the cuttings, if disease free, into your compost pile. Narrow rows from 6-12 inches wide by spading and hoeing. Remove all weeds. Thin plants to a narrow row 4-6 inches between the plants and water one inch per week to promote the growth of runners. In the fall, put a covering of dry clean straw or dry leaves over the plants. This mulch will protect your strawberry plants from our cold Michigan winters.

Some upper Michigan farms (Trenary and Chassell come to mind), have a “come and pick your own strawberries” policy. Watch for advertisements, news stories and road signs the next few weeks.

TV6 Contributor - Donna Campbell, Master Gardener

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