Homestead mailing list

[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

In a message dated 1/1/2007 2:36:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
erthnsky AT bellsouth.net writes:


> 1. Do you agree with Shumway's assessment?


Not entirely.  The berry description is accurate.  I did not experience a 
light summer crop but all the crops were about the same size.  I had a 
gazillion 
runners (per plant).  However the plants aren't huge so I would plant them 
closer together.  

> 2. Why do you think they "petered out" in the second year?


Not really sure. It happened twice with plants from two sources (Millers & 
Stark).  The origial rectangular bed was half Tristar and half Tribute. The 
second season the Tribute side was thick green with new leaves but the 
Tristar 
side was sparce and never recovered.  If you have success with them, you 
won't be 
disappointed with the quality of the stawberries.  I originally grew them 
under Tvo's recommendation as well.

> 3. Do you pinch or cut off the unwanted runners? (I pinch, but I have
> heard some say you should cut them)

I never found it to make much difference.  If I have a tool in my hand, I 
will tend to cut them, if not, pinch them.  One pinches when one is 
harvesting 
strawberries and rather think the operation is similar.

> 4. Where did you get your Tristars?


Shumways is a good outfit but you will find that the plants are cheaper from 
Millers ($28 and some change per 100) and Stark ($26 and some change per 100) 
then from Shumways ($29 and some change per 100).   Also both Miller and 
Stark 
carry Tribute which Shumway does not.