Strawberries are best planted in spring, before the last frost date. Selecting a range of varieties spreads harvest from late spring through early fall. Strawberries require full sun and well-drained soil.
In the first two years of life, runners should be cut off to concentrate efforts on fruit production. Purchase certified virus-free stock. Mulch to keep soil moist and cool. Provide regular water. Fertilize in early spring. Weed early and often. Birds, slugs, and snails are common pests. Netting, traps, removal by hand, and natural predators can help protect plants.
You should see the first strawberries in the first year. You will get two harvests—one in late spring and one in late summer or early fall. Productivity declines after the third or fourth year. Replant with new plants to maintain yields.
June bearing varieties are great for canning or freezing. Ever bearing and Day Neutral varieties are good for snacking. If freezing strawberries, 50 to 60 plants would be advisable – at least 10 plants per person. These numbers are minimum.
Harvest only fully red berries every three days by cutting at the stem. For June-bearers, the harvest lasts up to 3 weeks. Ever-bearers produce two crops, one in early summer and one in early fall. Day-neutral plants produce fruit throughout most of the season.
| Quantity | Price |
|---|---|
| 500 | $115.00 |
| 1000 | $184.00 |
| 5000 | $875.00 |
| 25000+ | $4,150.00 |
On average, pickers are paid $2.50 per 8 pound flat early in the season. Some pay up to $3 per flat.