Strawberries are an ideal choice for a survival garden! They are relatively easy to grow, incredibly nutritious, and versatile for use in numerous recipes, from fresh snacks to jams and desserts. Plus, they don’t take up too much space, making them perfect for smaller garden plots or containers. Here’s everything you need to know about growing strawberries in your survival garden.
Why Strawberries Are Perfect for a Survival Garden
1. Rich in Nutrients:
High in Vitamin C: Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is essential for immune health.
Antioxidants: Packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, strawberries help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Fiber: Strawberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
Low-Calorie, High-Energy Snack: They’re perfect for a survival diet as they offer a boost of energy without being overly calorie-dense.
2. Easy to Grow:
Strawberries are relatively low-maintenance once established, making them a great addition to your survival garden. They can grow in the ground or containers and thrive in a variety of climates.
3. Versatile Uses:
Fresh Eating: Delicious straight from the garden.
Preserves and Jams: Perfect for making jams, jellies, and preserves that can be stored for the winter.
Smoothies, Desserts, and Baking: Use in smoothies, pies, muffins, or cakes.
Freezing: Can be frozen for long-term storage.
Types of Strawberries to Grow in Your Survival Garden
There are three main types of strawberries to consider, each with its benefits:
1. June-Bearing Strawberries:
Why: These produce a single, large harvest in late spring to early summer.
Best For: Large-scale harvesting in one go for jams, jellies, or freezing.
Example Varieties: ‘Benton,’ ‘Hood,’ and ‘Allstar.’
2. Everbearing Strawberries:
Why: These produce berries throughout the growing season, with peak harvests in spring, summer, and fall.
Best For: Continuous fresh fruit throughout the season.
Example Varieties: ‘Ozark Beauty,’ ‘Quinault,’ and ‘Seascape.’
3. Day-Neutral Strawberries:
Why: These strawberries produce fruit continuously throughout the year, as long as the temperature remains between 35°F to 85°F (1°C to 29°C).
Best For: Ideal for extended harvests, especially in mild climates.
Example Varieties: ‘Albion,’ ‘Tristar,’ and ‘Tribute.’
Planting and Growing Strawberries
Where to Plant Strawberries
Location: Choose a sunny spot where the plants will get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Strawberries do best in a location with good air circulation.
Soil: They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH between 5.5 and 6.5). Prepare the soil by mixing in organic compost or manure to ensure good drainage and fertility.
Containers or Ground: You can plant strawberries in the ground or containers. In survival gardens, containers are often great for conserving space and controlling soil conditions.
Planting Strawberries
When to Plant:
Plant strawberries in the early spring after the last frost, or in the fall, depending on your region. Fall-planted strawberries have time to establish before the cold weather sets in.
How to Plant:
Dig holes wide enough to accommodate the roots, leaving space between plants (12-18 inches for most varieties).
Set the plants with the crown (where the roots meet the stems) just above the soil level. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves work well.
Care and Maintenance
1. Watering:
Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially when they are fruiting. Water them at the base, avoiding overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
2. Mulching:
Mulch helps to keep the soil moist, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. It also helps the plants survive the winter if you’re growing them in a colder climate.
Straw or hay is an excellent choice for mulch.
3. Fertilizing:
Strawberries generally don’t need heavy fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring can encourage healthy growth.
Be cautious with nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, as they can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
4. Pruning:
Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers to keep the plants healthy. In the first year, pinch off any flowers to allow the plants to focus on establishing strong roots rather than fruiting. After the first year, you can begin to allow the flowers to fruit.
In fall, prune back the plants to about 2 inches above the ground to prepare for winter.
Pest and Disease Management
Pests: Common pests include aphids, slugs, and strawberry root weevils. To deter these, use organic pest control methods like neem oil or create barriers around your plants.
Diseases: Strawberries can suffer from diseases like powdery mildew or verticillium wilt. Ensure good airflow around the plants, and avoid overhead watering. If you notice any signs of disease, remove infected leaves and use organic fungicides when necessary.
Harvesting Strawberries
When to Harvest:
Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe, bright red, and have a sweet fragrance. They should come off the plant easily when gently tugged.
Harvest in the morning when the berries are cool, as they are more likely to stay fresh longer.
How to Harvest:
Pick the berries by gently holding the stem and twisting it to avoid damaging the plant. Try not to pull too hard, as you might tear the fruit from the stem.
Storage:
Fresh strawberries should be eaten within a few days, as they spoil quickly. For longer storage, freeze them after washing, hulling, and drying. You can also make jam or preserve them for later use.
Preserving Strawberries
1. Freezing:
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries before freezing. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.
2. Making Jam or Jelly:
Making homemade jam or jelly from strawberries is a great way to preserve your harvest. You can add sugar or experiment with other natural sweeteners. This method allows you to store strawberries for months or even years.
3. Drying:
You can also dry strawberries using a dehydrator or an oven on a low setting. Dried strawberries make an excellent snack and are a great addition to granola, trail mix, or baked goods.
Why Strawberries Are Vital for Survival Gardening
1. Sustained Nutritional Value: Strawberries are an excellent source of vital nutrients, including Vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, especially in a survival situation.
2. Bounty with Little Effort: Once planted, strawberries are easy to care for and produce a steady supply of fruit, even for beginners.
3. Multiple Uses: Strawberries can be used in a variety of ways, including fresh eating, baking, preserving, and making jams or jellies—versatile for long-term storage.
4. Long Shelf Life: Whether dried, frozen, or turned into jam, strawberries provide food security for the future, ensuring that you’ll have access to this delicious and nutritious fruit year-round.
Strawberry Garden Tips
Container Gardening: Strawberries are perfect for container gardening, especially for smaller survival spaces. Consider using hanging baskets or vertical planters to conserve space while maximizing your yield.
Companion Planting: Strawberries do well alongside beans, lettuce, spinach, or onions, all of which are beneficial for your survival garden as well.
Strawberries are a must-have in your survival garden—they’re nutrient-dense, easy to grow, and extremely versatile in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy them fresh, preserved, or baked, these berries will keep you nourished and satisfied for years to come!
