| I live in Brookline, MA. When should strawberries be planted (using the Burpee Patio Pyramid), and when can we expect our first berries? |
| The nice part about ordering your strawberries through the mail is that they arrive at the proper time for planting! Strawberries are very hardy plants, and if you were to plant them right in the ground, you can do so as soon as the soil is fairly well drained and workable (I've planted some in April here in Vermont!). The general rule with strawberries is that you should pick off the blossoms the first year so the plants will put energy into producing strong root systems and crowns. Since you'llget "everbearing" 'Tristar' strawberries with your kit, you can let blossoms develop fruit later in the season if the plants look healthy and lush. "Everbearing" plants have two main flushes of berries - a large one in the spring and a smaller one in fall, with intermittent bloom througout the summer. For best performance, use a rich soil spiked with compost or aged manure. Strawberries need even moisture distribution, and in the pyramid, where the soil drains quickly, Terra Sorb (pg. 102 of catalog) will increase moisture retention. More specific planting instructions will arrive with your kit. |
