Not Quite a Pie

One gardening challenge we have had is our attempt to grow strawberries. I think our strawberry bed is on at least Year 4. The first year we had a drought and no fence, and thirsty critters dug up our plants. We built a fence and replanted the following year, and fought weeds to get plants established. Last year, I accidently burned part of the bed trying to flame weed, and replanted yet again. This year, the bed has filled in pretty well, although there is one bare spot. Weeds continue to be an issue, requiring an hour a week of weeding on hands and knees. Strawberries are shallow-rooted, and they spread by sending out runners. The runners are useful in establishing more plants and refreshing the bed, but it also eliminates using landscape fabric as a weed barrier.

We have gotten a couple of small bowls of strawberries so far this year. Not enough for a pie and way less than what is needed for jam, but they have provided small snacks. My goal is to make at least make one strawberry shortcake.

While the strawberries taste very good. I am not sure they are worth the work. Maggie's Amish friend plants through landscape fabric and has a nice crop this year, so we may need to reconsider how we are growing ours. Maggie bought some strawberry towers for our porch, so maybe this will provide more success.