Why Your Strawberry Plant May Not Produce Fruit the First Year; First-Year Strawberry Plant Care; Strawberry Runners, Mulching & Soil Care; How to Grow Sugar Snap Peas
In The Garden with Paris House, Ask Gardener
Many years ago, we had a little show called Bunny Live. It was so much fun. We filmed it live with Scripts I wrote and handed out to my Gardener and my son Sam, who filmed it. We had archaic technology, horrendous lighting, and audio, but we managed to do it. My son had it in some format, but I can no longer remember at this point. I don't even know what it was- it wasn't YouTube when we started! We had a blast - we made cocktails, had an "Ask Bunny" segment with my Gardener in our gardens, traveled, and enjoyed content on topics ranging from cooking and baking to fashion, beauty, and more. We laughed so hard and had the best time, and then it started evolving into other projects. We would film shows in Saratoga Springs, among other locations.
It was a lot of fun - so in the upcoming magazine that we're working nonstop on publishing, Gardener is going to be back and answering some gardening questions. He is a master gardener, and there is nothing he can't figure out or fix in the garden. We're excited to launch his segment; maybe one day, we'll bring back Bunny Live! For now, we'll stick to some fun behind-the-scenes stories and bloopers in our digital version of Sunday Guides by Paris House- On our journeys around the world and in the garden, where laughter and fun are always guaranteed.
Ask Gardener
Tammy, New England:
Last year, I bought a strawberry plant and two sugar snap peas. The strawberry plant didn't grow strawberries, and the sugar snap died. Can you share insight on what happened to the sugar snaps and strawberries?
Gardener:
Hi Tammy, first of all, I'm sorry to hear you've had difficulties growing strawberries and sugar snap peas. You're not alone. Many gardeners face similar challenges. Don't give up. Gardening has its share of ups and downs, making success all the sweeter.
There are several types of strawberries, but it is not unusual for most of them not to fruit in their first year. This process is beneficial, and many experts recommend having minimal fruit or no fruit (removing flowers) in the first year. Strawberries are a perennial crop, so establishment is crucial. The plant sends out runners, which are small plants without a fully developed root system. The 'babies' are getting the nutrients from the 'mother' plant for a while, so don't cut the runner cord. Remember, patience is key in gardening.
In the first year, it's best to concentrate on establishing the runners into the predetermined bed. The reason for this is that the majority of the plant's energy goes into fruit production, which is true for virtually all plants. By pulling the flowers, you're redirecting this energy towards the runners, making them stronger and more likely to produce a good crop of strawberries in the following years.
-Mulching helps to keep the moisture in the ground (or straw and keeps runners down at ground level to help their roots take into the soil. In the first month, ensure they don't dry out. When winter comes to your area, cover the ground with a layer of straw to blanket it, and strawberries will be one of the first things you'll enjoy in spring! I do remove straws in the spring.
General cleaning of dead leaves and runners every fall/spring prevents disease
Strawberries like slightly acidic soil, so an acidic fertilizer like "Hollytone" is a nice addition
Strawberry "B" Type appeals to less "patient" gardeners who may prefer the immediate satisfaction of fruit.
In this case and type, experts recommend the removal of all runners so the energy can go to the fruit.
Sugar Snap Peas are a relatively early crop and tend to die off in the hot summer months. I recommend planting early, then feeding and watering regularly. Give it another try, and I am confident your seeds will result in delicious sugar snap peas. We have delightful pea puree recipes on the blog!!!
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