General Production:
Strawberries are produced through several different methods, and each suit certain purposes better. There is plasticulture for large scale commercial, rows and mounds for colder climates, and greenhouses for off-season growth. For more information, visit the Evolution of Strawberry Cultivation entry.
Cultivars (types) of strawberries are also abundant; each cultivar has advantages and disadvantages and are better suited for different conditions. Some have better flavor, but smaller berries. Others have high yields and good-quality fruit, but are only suitable for warm environments. The perfect strawberry has yet to be developed, but careful consideration and research can find a variety suited for almost any condition.
Strawberries are organized into categories that specify harvest season. Traditionally, they are sorted in to June bearing and ever-bearing. Ever-bearing strawberries grow several crops a year, which is desirable for the gardening hobbyist, or off-season production. June-bearing plants only bear fruit in early summer, but the yields are larger than ever-bearing plants. The higher quality berries of the June bearing varieties, combined with the less labor-intensive work (one harvest instead of several), make it the most common type for commercial uses. Recently, research has discovered that there are actually three basic types instead of two, the other being the day-neutral type. Day-neutrals are now becoming the favorite for home growing, since they are not affected by day length and produce strawberries year round. The overall yields of day-neutrals are large, but the numerous harvests required are impractical for commercial growers.
Alberta Growing:
While there are many strawberry farms that supply strawberries to Alberta (mostly from California), Albertans may still choose to grow their own. Approximately 450 acres (1.8km2) of Alberta's land is dedicated to strawberry growth, used for U-pick farms, farm gate sales, farmers markets, or hobby gardening.
To grow strawberries in Alberta involve careful choice of variety, since the climate is harsh and unsuitable for many cultivars. Commonly grown types include:
Kent:
June bearing, high yielding, high quality fruit, slightly mildew susceptible
Kent strawberries
http://www.veseys.com/ca/en/images/products/small/2255.jpg
Glooscap:
June bearing, high yielding, disease resistant
Bounty:
June bearing, medium yielding, large fruit
Ogallala:
Ever-bearing, hardy, consistent producer, sweet berries
Fort Laramie:
Ever-bearing, large fruit, tolerant of cold
Tristar:
Day-neutral, medium to high yielding, good flavor, disease resistant
Fern:
Day-neutral, medium to high yielding, good flavor, attractive fruit
Seascape:
Day-neutral, medium to high yielding, large firm fruit, good texture
Growing Procedure:
Strawberry plants are generally grown from runners, which can be purchased at gardening stores or from farms. They should be planted in sunny areas with loose, well drained soil. Avoiding low areas or making mounds is beneficial, as to avoid flooding. The runners should be planted about 25-30cm apart, on land that has not grown other types of berries. pH levels of 6-7 are desirable. Early April or May after the danger of frost has passed is the best time to plant, but June planting may be successful with diligent watering.
Before planting, fertilizer such as manure or compost should be used, and high nitrogen fertilizer should be applied regularly during harvest seasons. Regular soil cultivation is recommended to keep soil loose and remove weeds, and extra runners should be removed to reserve energy for fruit bearing. Moisture levels should be monitored; 3cm per week will help achieve maximum production. Extra flower stalks and buds should be removed after enough berries have begun to develop, as if there are too many berries, the quality will be affected. Birds are attracted to the berries, and can be a problem. Useful methods of bird-prevention include: frequent harvesting, noise makers, netting, streamers, and bird scare tape.
bird scare tape
http://www.gemplers.com/img/bird-scare-flash-R97100.jpg
The strawberries should be picked as soon as they are completely red, but not before, because the fruit does not improve after picking. Depending on the type of strawberry, it may be necessary to harvest every other day for extended periods. Unharvested ripe berries are attractive to many unwanted pests, so all ripe fruit should be collected.
In the winter, mulching (covering) may be required. Many varieties of strawberries can be hardy up to Zone 2 (Calgary is Zone 3, a bit warmer) when mulched properly. Some colder places may not need mulching if there is a lot of snow early in the season. The best mulching material is wheat or rye straw, and the daily temperatures should be monitored to determine when to mulch. When the temperature reaches -7 degrees Celcius for several nights in a row is a good time to mulch. The mulch should be removed in early spring, as soon as the danger of frost damage has passed. Both early and late removal of mulch can be detrimental to plants.
Hay-mulched strawberries
http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/images/Garden/thumb/4/42/Mulched_Strawberries.jpg/200px-Mulched_Strawberries.jpg
Citations:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/fruit/blb01s19.html
http://www.growingalberta.com/recipes/living.asp?id=274
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