Rotation of strawberry plantings - Ask Extension
I am planning to incorporate crop rotation into a market garden. I'd like some advice about what cultural approach to use for June-bearing strawberrie...
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Rotation of strawberry plantings #865086
Asked April 19, 2024, 10:04 AM EDT
I am planning to incorporate crop rotation into a market garden. I'd like some advice about what cultural approach to use for June-bearing strawberries that would be rotated on a 3 to 5 year basis.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
In Michigan, managing June-bearing strawberries in a market garden involves several key cultural practices. Let’s explore the strategies for successful cultivation:
Variety Selection:
June-bearing strawberries form flower buds in the fall as the day length decreases. In Michigan, they typically flower in May.
These strawberries produce their first crop in the second year after planting.
Consider selecting varieties that suit your local climate and soil conditions.
More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/selecting_strawberry_varieties_for_your_garden
Crop Rotation:
Rotate strawberry beds on a 3 to 5-year basis to maintain soil health and reduce disease pressure.
Avoid planting strawberries in the same location where they were grown in the previous years.
Crop rotation helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up over time. More information is at this link:
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/2108/html/view
Site Preparation:
Choose a well-drained site with full sun exposure.
Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and adjusting pH levels.
Proper soil preparation ensures healthy root development and optimal fruit production.
Planting and Spacing:
Plant June-bearing strawberries in early spring.
Space plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart in rows.
Maintain proper spacing to allow for air circulation and minimize disease spread.
Weed Management:
Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Mulching with straw or other organic materials can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Fertilization:
Apply balanced fertilizers based on soil test results.
Fertilize before planting and after fruiting to support plant growth and fruit development.
Irrigation:
Provide consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses effectively deliver water directly to the root zone.
If you need to do a soil test – Details are at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dont_guess_soil_test_get_your_home_lawn_and_garden_soil_test_kit_today
Pest and Disease Control:
Monitor for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
June-bearing strawberries are typically at low risk of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) infestation, but ever-bearing strawberries have a higher risk later in the summer.
SWD is less successful in laying eggs in thicker-skinned fruit, so selecting varieties with thicker skins may be beneficial. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/integrated_strategies_for_management_of_spotted_wing_drosophila_in_organic
Successful strawberry cultivation involves a holistic approach, combining cultural practices, pest management, and site-specific considerations.
I hope this helps!
In Michigan, managing June-bearing strawberries in a market garden involves several key cultural practices. Let’s explore the strategies for successful cultivation:
Variety Selection:
June-bearing strawberries form flower buds in the fall as the day length decreases. In Michigan, they typically flower in May.
These strawberries produce their first crop in the second year after planting.
Consider selecting varieties that suit your local climate and soil conditions.
More information at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/selecting_strawberry_varieties_for_your_garden
Crop Rotation:
Rotate strawberry beds on a 3 to 5-year basis to maintain soil health and reduce disease pressure.
Avoid planting strawberries in the same location where they were grown in the previous years.
Crop rotation helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from building up over time. More information is at this link:
https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/2108/html/view
Site Preparation:
Choose a well-drained site with full sun exposure.
Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter and adjusting pH levels.
Proper soil preparation ensures healthy root development and optimal fruit production.
Planting and Spacing:
Plant June-bearing strawberries in early spring.
Space plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart in rows.
Maintain proper spacing to allow for air circulation and minimize disease spread.
Weed Management:
Regularly remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Mulching with straw or other organic materials can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Fertilization:
Apply balanced fertilizers based on soil test results.
Fertilize before planting and after fruiting to support plant growth and fruit development.
Irrigation:
Provide consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses effectively deliver water directly to the root zone.
If you need to do a soil test – Details are at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dont_guess_soil_test_get_your_home_lawn_and_garden_soil_test_kit_today
Pest and Disease Control:
Monitor for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
June-bearing strawberries are typically at low risk of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) infestation, but ever-bearing strawberries have a higher risk later in the summer.
SWD is less successful in laying eggs in thicker-skinned fruit, so selecting varieties with thicker skins may be beneficial. More information is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/integrated_strategies_for_management_of_spotted_wing_drosophila_in_organic
Successful strawberry cultivation involves a holistic approach, combining cultural practices, pest management, and site-specific considerations.
I hope this helps!
So should I use matted rows without plastic?
Hello Again,
The short answer is Yes – You should use matted rows without plastic
If you’re cultivating June-bearing strawberries, matted rows with straw are suitable. However, consider using raised beds with plastic mulch for optimal results for day-neutral varieties.
Matted row system
A matted row system is the ideal planting system for June-bearers. Build rows on flat ground or raised beds 3 to 4 feet apart from center to center. Set plants about 15 inches apart in the row (Figure 9A, Figure 10). Early runners (formed before Sept. 1) should be allowed to grow and root. To ensure they don’t root in the aisles or off the edge of the raised bed, sweep them into the row or bed area before they root to maintain a row width of 12 to 18 inches. Once the daughter plants root, the above-ground stem will naturally die.
Flower bud development in June-bearing strawberry plants occurs in late summer for the next year’s crop, so late-rooted runners are not as productive as early-rooted ones, as they have less growing time before the flowers initiate. Remove late runners to keep the aisle clear in fall or hoe or till the aisles in spring to remove these unproductive daughter plants and to maintain the matted row and aisles (Figures 9B, 9C). To remove runners by hand, cut the above-ground stem before the daughter plants root (see “Hill System” below), or wait until the daughter roots and hoe them from the aisles. Don't use plastic mulch in the matted row system because runners are encouraged and need to root in the row.
Information from this link:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1307-growing-strawberries-your-home-garden
(Oregon is similar to Michigan)
I hope this helps!
The short answer is Yes – You should use matted rows without plastic
If you’re cultivating June-bearing strawberries, matted rows with straw are suitable. However, consider using raised beds with plastic mulch for optimal results for day-neutral varieties.
Matted row system
A matted row system is the ideal planting system for June-bearers. Build rows on flat ground or raised beds 3 to 4 feet apart from center to center. Set plants about 15 inches apart in the row (Figure 9A, Figure 10). Early runners (formed before Sept. 1) should be allowed to grow and root. To ensure they don’t root in the aisles or off the edge of the raised bed, sweep them into the row or bed area before they root to maintain a row width of 12 to 18 inches. Once the daughter plants root, the above-ground stem will naturally die.
Flower bud development in June-bearing strawberry plants occurs in late summer for the next year’s crop, so late-rooted runners are not as productive as early-rooted ones, as they have less growing time before the flowers initiate. Remove late runners to keep the aisle clear in fall or hoe or till the aisles in spring to remove these unproductive daughter plants and to maintain the matted row and aisles (Figures 9B, 9C). To remove runners by hand, cut the above-ground stem before the daughter plants root (see “Hill System” below), or wait until the daughter roots and hoe them from the aisles. Don't use plastic mulch in the matted row system because runners are encouraged and need to root in the row.
Information from this link:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1307-growing-strawberries-your-home-garden
(Oregon is similar to Michigan)
I hope this helps!
You are welcome! - Have a great day!
