Strawberries are the most popular of the small fruits. They are the first to ripen in the spring and are highly nutritious. A single cup of strawberries supplies more than the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C and is a tasty way to fight cancer. Choosing disease-resistant cultivars usually results in the production of satisfactory crops in a home garden with minimal use of pesticides.
Three types of strawberries are grown in Illinois: spring or June bearing, everbearing, and day neutral. June bearers produce their crop in a two- to three- week period in the spring. The everbearing strawberries usually produce three flushes of flowers and fruits throughout the growing season —spring, summer, and fall. Day neutrals will flower and fruit continually through the growing season. Many cultivars of strawberries are suitable for culture in Illinois. have proven their adaptability to Illinois.
Strawberries will grow satisfactorily in most garden soils, but they require a relatively high level of soil fertility for optimal production. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Livestock manure, preferably composted, may be applied the year before planting. If manure is not available, compost and commercial fertilizer can be added when preparing the soil. Apply 15 to 20 pounds of 10-20-20 fertilizer, or equivalent, per 1,000 square feet, and work the fertilizer into the top six to eight inches of soil.
