Sweet savings: how to grow strawberries

Strawberries are super expensive when they are not in season. But you can save money by growing them yourself. Here is what I’ve learned about growing strawberries that have helped me reap a bounty.

In the spring, I decided to try my hand at planting strawberries in my garden. This weekend I picked about a gallon’s worth of berries!

I prefer Quinault strawberries because they’re super sweet and the fruit is larger than other varieties.

• Quinault plants produce strawberries in June and fall (so there’s still time to plant!) and smaller quantities in between.
• The strawberry plants need to planted in full sun and well drained soil.
• Make sure to add compost. I add homemade compost once a month.
• Don’t plant the strawberries in a site where peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, or potatoes have been grown as they tend to become infected with a fungal disease that can be transferred to your berries.
• Quinault strawberries are pest- and disease-resistant, but if they do fall victim, here’s how to control pests in your garden.
• You must add a heavy layer of leaf mulch or grass clippings to discourage weeds from growing and to help preserve the moisture. Other weeding methods include using newspapers and cardboard.
• Strawberries love water, so give them a daily drink.
• You can make more plants from your existing plants by separating the plants and planting them. I started out with two plants that I bought for $3.99 each and now have over 15 plants!

How do you take care of the strawberries growing in your garden?