Initial Plant Research

• What I would like to grow is a fruit – more specifically, strawberries.
  

• Generally, Strawberries are planted and grow in Spring. It is when the sun is warm and bright- perfect conditions to grow strawberries under. Blossoms are destroyed by late frost, so the notion of early Spring is perfect conditions.

• From my understanding of the research, you can plant a seed or simply the plant. It seems as though seeds are a bit harder to come by than plants and plants produce quicker results. Given our time-frame, it would seem ideal to grow the strawberries from purchased plants.

• It does matter to me to grow from plants because I would like to see what I could grow in the time I have in this class. I would also like the opportunity to eat a bit of what I grow. I think that my legacy for future classes would be having prepared soil to grow strawberries in. Because it is a common fruit, I'm sure having a plot of our flowerbeds already adjusted to grow strawberries could prove beneficial.

• It is easiest to use cloning method because of how many runners are produced by strawberry plants.

• When using a “matted row” planting method, plants are to be 18 inches apart in rows three to four feet apart. Runners found in the plants will spread out the harvest easier. Given personal observations, it seems as though each plant produces about a pint of strawberries.

• While tilling the planting bed about 12 inches, make sure to remove all traces of weeds and grass. Then, dig in compost and manure to make rich and fertile soil. The pH of the soil needs to be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

• It doesn't seem like the strawberry plants need much watering. Young plants require at least an inch of water a week. No more than two until the fruit is completely developed.

• Companion Plants: beans, borage, lettuce, onions, spinach, and thyme.
  

• Non-Companion Plants: Cabbage, Brocolli. Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Kohlarbi.

• Helpful Plants: Borage to strengthen the plant's resistance to insects and diseases and Thyme to deter worms.

• Interesting Fact #1: Strawberries are not fruits! They are enlarged receptacles of the flower and are considered secondary fruits!

• Interesting Fact #2: Fresh juice from strawberry pulp helps recover from fevers. Strawberry juice when combined with honey can reduce inflammation.

  
  Resources:
  
  1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2000_grow-strawberries.html
     
  2. http://gardening.about.com/od/fruitsberriesnuts/a/Strawberries.htm
  3. http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html#SAGE:
  4. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/facts-about-strawberries.html