Growing School Food Gardens

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  • 1.  Strawberry varieties

    Posted 07-11-2022 10:01:00 AM
    Hi Everyone!! I have started a school garden and I would like to put strawberries in this fall. I need advice on what other zone 5/6 school gardens plant so that the kids can enjoy the harvest while they are still in school. Typically my school districts last day is just before Memorial Day weekend.  Our first day of school is usually around Aug 15. Is there an early variety of June bearers that you would recommend to reliably produce before then?  Would I be better off  with day neutral varieties for late summer/fall harvest?  If so, which ones? Thank you for your help!

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    Ann Lupton
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  • 2.  RE: Strawberry varieties

    Posted 07-11-2022 11:14:00 AM
    Hi Ann,

    What STATE are you in?  Zone 5/6 runs all the way from Maine to Idaho and different varieties do better in different places. 

    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc








  • 3.  RE: Strawberry varieties

    Posted 07-11-2022 11:22:00 AM
    Oops, sorry. That is important to know.  I live in central Illinois.

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    Ann Lupton
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  • 4.  RE: Strawberry varieties

    Posted 07-11-2022 12:21:00 PM
    Ann,

    There are a few ways to go.  
    You could try a June bearer and hope for the best, but a cool spring or late freeze will set them way back. 
    Plant a June bearer and use row covers to jump start the season and get them to bear in May or even earlier.  We've had good luck with Agribon when we want to jump start or extend the season. https://www.johnnyseeds.com/tools-supplies/row-covers-and-accessories/agribon%2B-ag-19-10-x-50-row-cover-9065.html?cgid=row-covers-and-accessories#start=1
    You could do strawberry pots and get them going inside.   https://www.marthastewart.com/268527/planting-a-strawberry-pot

    First, when you put the starts into the ground in March/April, pick off ALL blooms that first year to let them gain size and strength.  Mulch well over the winter or use row covers


    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc