by Noelle Henderson

June is strawberry picking time! Far sweeter than any store-bought berry, homegrown strawberries are truly nature’s candy. High in anti-oxidants and fiber-rich, strawberries are a treat you can feel good about serving to your children.  And it’s rare to find a child who doesn’t love them.

Strawberries are perennials, which means they come back to life year after year.  Give them a little room and they will spread quickly by sending out runners to give birth to “daughter” strawberry plants.

There are many varieties of strawberries, and Burpee has a nice offering with an explanation of each to help you choose. Equally as happy in a pot or patch, patio strawberries are perfect for the novice gardener. A classic strawberry pot will have openings on the sides as well as the top for you to poke your plants into, taking advantage of vertical growing space. Your local garden center will usually stock these. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try SimplyPlanters.com.

For a truly vertical approach, hanging grow-bags like those from TOPSY TURVY offer another alternative for tight spots. Much more fun and productive than a typical hanging basket!

If you’re ready for a strawberry patch, Gardener’s Supply Company has an easy to assemble 3-tier strawberry bed that can sit on your patio or fit into a garden setting anywhere. How easy is that?

What ever you do, don’t waste time! Strawberries need a year to acclimate to their new home before they begin to produce.  Plant a few now and next year you’ll be picking your own!