Ultimate Guide to Successfully Growing Day Neutral Strawberries in Canada for Year Round Harvesting

Introduction

Strawberries are a favorite fruit for many due to their sweet taste and versatility. In Canada, growing strawberries can be a rewarding endeavor, especially if you choose to cultivate day neutral varieties. This guide will provide a comprehensive look into successfully growing day neutral strawberries, ensuring you can reap a delicious harvest year-round.

Understanding Day Neutral Strawberries

Day neutral strawberries, unlike June-bearing varieties, do not depend on specific daylight hours to initiate flowering. They produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, particularly in conditions with moderate temperatures. This trait makes them particularly appealing for home growers looking to harvest strawberries from late spring through fall.

Benefits of Growing Day Neutral Strawberries

1. Extended Harvest: They can produce strawberries from late spring to fall, providing fresh fruit for a longer period.
2. Versatile Growing Conditions: They’re adaptable and can thrive in various climates and soils.
3. Reduced Stress on Plants: Continuous harvesting allows plants to maintain better health as they are not focused on a massive bloom at one time.

Selecting the Right Varieties

When planning to grow day neutral strawberries in Canada, selecting the right variety is crucial. Some of the most popular day neutral varieties include:

1. Albion: Known for its large fruit and sweet flavor, Albion strawberries produce continuously and are resistant to common diseases.
2. Seascape: These berries are juicy and aromatic, with good shelf life; they thrive in various climates, making them popular among Canadian growers.
3. Eversweet: This variety is ideal for colder regions and produces berries with a unique sweet flavor.

Climate Considerations

Canadian winters can be harsh, so you need to choose day neutral strawberries that are hardy and resilient to lower temperatures. The best growing zones for strawberries in Canada range from zones 3 to 7.

Overall, day neutral strawberries do best in areas where there’s a significant variation between day and night temperatures, as this condition promotes fruit development.

Preparing the Soil

Soil Type and Structure

Strawberries prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, a common issue for strawberry plants. Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels; strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil, ideally between 5.5 and 6.8.

Soil Preparation Steps

1. Testing: Conduct a soil test through your local agricultural extension service.
2. Amending: Based on the test results, amend as necessary with lime (to increase pH), sulfur (to decrease pH), or compost (to improve organic matter).
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 12 inches to aerate and incorporate amendments, ensuring a loose, well-structured soil environment.

Creating Raised Beds

Consider creating raised beds for better drainage and ease of harvest. Raised beds can also warm up faster in spring, promoting earlier growth.

Planting Strawberry Plants

Best Time to Plant

In Canada, the ideal time for planting day neutral strawberries is in the spring, typically from mid-April to early June, or in the fall, around mid-August to early September.

Planting Process

1. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. This spacing allows for air circulation and reduces disease risk.
2. Depth: When planting, ensure the crown (the part where the leaves and roots meet) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can cause rotting, while planting too shallow may expose roots.
3. Watering: After planting, water the plants thoroughly to help settle soil around their roots.

Watering and Irrigation

Strawberries require consistent watering, particularly during flowering and fruiting. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize leaf wetness, thus reducing disease risk.

Watering Tips

• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
• During dry spells, aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week; adjust based on rainfall.
• Mulch with straw or wood chips to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is essential for ensuring healthy plants and abundant fruit. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time, and follow up with additional nutrients as needed.

Fertilization Schedule

1. Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertilization.
2. Mid-Season: Provide additional nitrogen to promote leaf growth and fruit development.
3. Post-Harvest: Apply another round of fertilizer to prepare plants for the next growing cycle.

Maintaining Healthy Plants

Pest and Disease Management

Regular inspection of your strawberry plants is crucial to catch pest infestations or diseases early. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs, while diseases can include powdery mildew and root rot.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

1. Cultural Controls: Promote healthy plants through proper spacing and good hygiene.
2. Monitoring: Regularly check for pests and signs of disease.
3. Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects that prey on pests.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pinch Off Flowers: In the first year, remove flowers to encourage stronger root development.
• Remove Old Leaves: Regularly remove old leaves and dead debris to prevent disease.

Harvesting Strawberries

How to Harvest

Harvest your strawberries when they are fully red, indicating ripeness. Gently twist or use scissors to cut the stem, avoiding pulling on the fruit as this can damage the plant.

Post-Harvest Practices

After harvesting, remove any damaged or overripe fruit to minimize disease spread. Store strawberries in cool conditions and avoid washing them until you are ready to eat or use them, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage.

Overwintering

Protecting Plants in Winter

In colder regions, protecting your strawberry plants during winter is essential.

1. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of straw or mulch around plants to insulate them from extreme cold.
2. Row Covers: Use row covers to offer additional protection from harsh weather conditions.

Ensure that mulch is removed in early spring to allow the plants to breathe and grow.

FAQs

Q1: Can day neutral strawberries survive Canadian winters?

Yes, with proper care and protection, day neutral strawberries can survive Canadian winters. Mulching and covering plants can help insulate them against extreme cold.

Q2: How often should I water my strawberry plants?

Strawberry plants should receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week during dry spells, either through rainfall or irrigation.

Q3: What pests should I watch out for?

Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Regular inspection and integrated pest management strategies can help control them.

Q4: When is the best time to plant strawberries in Canada?

The best time to plant day neutral strawberries is in late spring (mid-April to early June) or in the fall (mid-August to early September).

Q5: How can I encourage more fruit production?

Providing adequate nutrients, watering consistently, and removing flowers in the first year can help strengthen plants and promote more abundant fruit production in subsequent years.

Q6: How long do strawberry plants live?

With proper care, strawberry plants can produce fruit for 3-5 years. However, after 3 years, their yield may decline, and it may be time to replant.

Conclusion

By following this ultimate guide on growing day neutral strawberries, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year-round. Careful planning, attention to soil health, and regular maintenance will ensure not only the success of your strawberry plants but also provide you with the joy of fresh, sweet berries from your garden. The hard work and dedication will pay off when you can enjoy the fruits of your labor!