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Fruit & Orchards

Starting a strawberry bed in zone 4

15 years ago

I'm planning a strawberry bed for next spring. I'm in zone 4 and have a small suburban garden with very poor sandy soil. I need ideas for making this work out. Should I make a raised bed with new soil? Water is expensive here and I'm worried about the water just running away in a raised bed. Maybe I could ammend the native soil heavily with...what? I want to start on soil prep this summer. Also, is there a 'best' variety for me to plant here? Thanks so much! Molly

Comments (2)

franktank232
15 years ago
Around here they plant strawberries on very sandy soil. I think they prefer it.
strawberry_grower
15 years ago
If you are in a dry area with sandy soil, work on building the organic matter first, and do not use raised beds.
This summer dump tons of grass clippings and in the fall add a foot or two of leaves.
After planting the strawberries, put a thick layer of weed-free straw around the plants to hold more moisture and keep the roots cool.
Seascape is my favorite variety here in dry zone 5. It produces wonderful berries almost all summer long.
good luck
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