​Strawberries…The Flavor Of Spring

By Montie McKinney
Marion County Master Gardeners

The urge to get your “garden on” has begun to creep into every gardener’s blood. It is still cold, but we still want to start planting. So, let me think, “What can I plant in February in Arkansas?” Why not try your hand at Strawberries?

Strawberries are the first edible fruit produced in the spring in many gardens in Arkansas. They prefer a sandy loam soil that drains quickly, but they can adapt to almost any soil type. If planting in the ground, I suggest getting your soil tested at the County Cooperative Extension Office to see if you need to add anything to the soil so that your strawberries thrive.

Strawberries do better in a raised bed, which allows for drainage to be optimal as strawberries do not like “wet feet”. Work the soil so that it is loose and without clumps. The site you choose should also get a minimum of 6 hours of good sunlight. Besides not liking “wet feet” strawberries do not like to be overcrowded. Plant strawberries by making mounds about 5-6 inches high and 6-12 inches wide and give at least 18 inches between plants.

At time of planting, one could use an all-around fertilizer (if soil test recommends it) of a 10-10-10 fertilizer and work it into the soil. This will last for the growing season and can be reapplied in early September. Mulching with straw or pine needles will help to keep the moisture in and reduce fruit rot. Fruit rot happens when the fruit comes in contact with damp soil.

There are different varieties of strawberries. June Bearing and Ever-Bearing. The June Bearing will give you lots of strawberries at one time. This variety is best for those who are freezing them or making jellies and jams. Don’t be fooled by the name Ever-Bearing. They will give a crop in early summer and again in early fall, with a sporadic sprinkling in between. These berries will be smaller than the June Bearing and will not be as plentiful.

Here are a few varieties that tend to do well in this area:

1) Allstar is a June Bearing variety that is very hardy and disease resistant. This variety tends to be firm in consistency and is extra juicy with a great sweet taste. They are also frost resistant.

2) Cardinal is a June Bearing variety which produces large berries that are deep red in color. This variety does well in warmer climates and is disease resistant. They are an early ripening berry and will produce extra-large berries for 3-4 weeks.

​3) Ozark Beauties is an Ever-Bearing variety that will give you a crop in early summer and again in the fall. They perform best in the cooler climates. The fruit is smaller than the June Bearing varieties, that is firm and sweet. This variety is ideal for container strawberries on your deck.

So, no matter if you are looking to make jellies and jams or just enjoying them in your cereal, fresh strawberries from the garden cannot be beat.

Marion County Master Gardeners meet the second Saturday of each month at the Marion County Fairgrounds at 9am. Meetings are open to the public. For more information on Marion County Master Gardeners, visit www.MarionCountyMasterGardeners.com or call 870-449-6349.