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I am writing about the bare root plants the Chisago County Master Gardeners are offering for sale this spring. Previously I wrote about raspberries, this week it is strawberries. This is the fifth year we have sold strawberry plants and I believe the thinking on strawberries has changed more than any other plant.

Planning for strawberries is always important. They, like most fruits need a sunny location and a well drained area. Gardeners don't often have a choice on the type of soil. If you have sandy soil, strawberries will grow well as long as they have moisture at key times. One advantage of sandy soil is you probably will have fewer problems with quack and crabgrass. Clay loam soil will probably hold the moisture better, but you need excellent weed control. Few plants will do well in hard clay or soggy and sour low areas.

The next decision is to choose the variety or varieties you would like to plant. For the past four years we have offered two or three varieties to choose from. This year we are only offering Mesabi. This is a mid to late season variety with good hardiness and very good productivity.

It produces large firm berries that are red all the way through with excellent flavor. It is one of the most hardy and productive varieties tested by the University of Minnesota.

I called Jim Birkholz, who owns and operates Pleasant Valley Orchard and Berry Patch south of Shafer. Jim stated that he has two acres of pick your own strawberries. He has six varieties but Mesabi is the best. I'm sure that the reason he has different varieties is because they mature at different times, which is important for a pick your own operation. I also asked Jim how often he replaced his plants. He stated that he plants new plants every year and has them on rotation so he always has new as well as three year old plants. However, he is so impressed with Mesabi, that for the first time he is going to try a fourth year of production with some of them.

Three years ago I bought three different varieties and put them in the same patch. The first variety planted was Sparkle. In the middle I planted Mesabi and at the end of the row was Annapolis. The only variety that did not get black leaf spot was Mesabi, so I tilled the others under.

I know that there are many varieties of strawberries out there where gardeners have great success. However, if you neglect your patch as I do, I would stick with Mesabi. In fact, I'm satisfied with a few meals of shortcake and then let the grandchildren loose on finishing off the patch.

In August, I set my lawn mower as high as it will go and cut the leaves off the plants. If you mow too low it may damage the strawberry crowns. Then, I broadcast some 10-10-10 fertilizer in over the patch. I was taught by my father that after doing that you leave them alone until you start picking berries the next spring.

According to Jim Birkholz, growers are changing their thinking of this. He gives an application of fertilizer in September and again in the spring. Growers used to think that by adding more fertilizer it made the fruit soft. Maybe improved varieties have eliminated this problem.

In the fall, it is a good idea to cover your strawberries with clean straw. Straw doesn't pack down like leaves or hay due to the air flow through the straw. Those that didn't cover their plants last winter had a lot of winter damage. Another advantage of covering is you can delay the uncovering in the spring until you are sure the frost season has passed.

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DON'T FORGET –– the 8th annual Chisago County Master Gardener Spring Gardening Bonanza, "Get the Dirt", is this Saturday, March 4. At this writing there are still some seats available. You can call or stop by the office to register. The brochure is on our web page in the 'Hot Topics' box: http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago.

The order form for bare root blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, grape and asparagus plants is also on the web page and available from the office.

The next class in the Spring Gardening Series –– Growing Edibles is Growing Grapes, taught by Master Gardener Tom Dickhudt. This is the only class that is not on a Tuesday. It will be Thursday, March 16 at the Senior Center in North Branch at 6:30 p.m. There is a $4 fee for the class to cover the cost of materials.

Tom will discuss how to successfully grow grapes in our climate, as well as the varieties that have been developed to grow in Minnesota for both wine-making and table use. There will be time for questions. Although walk-ins are welcome, we ask that you pre-register so that enough handout materials will be available. You can call or stop by the office to register if you do not have a form.

The schedule for the entire series will be available at Bonanza, on the website, or you can call the office to have one mailed to you.

Don't forget the voicemail is available all year long at 651-674-4417 for help with your gardening questions. It is checked by volunteer Master Gardeners who try to respond within a couple of days. During office hours ask for the Master Gardener voicemail, after hours, select ext. 18.

Starr Carpenter

Chisago County Master Gardener

Program Coordinator

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