Market Farming

[Alliums <garlicgrower AT earthlink.net>]

> Hi, Folks!
>
> Re:  ALpine Strawberries
> Does anybody have experience growing alpine strawberries?  I'd like
> any information on culture, plant sources, preferred strains, yields,
> etc.

I've grown the Ruegen Improved from seed -- as long as you give it the 
proper chilling time (a few weeks in the freezer), the seeds, although 
*very* tiny, germinate readily and the plants are strong, but need to be 
kept free of weeds for optimum production.

Even so, the yields are nothing to write home about -- I could see having 
alpines as a "pick your own" option, but gosh, the labor involved in 
harvesting can't be cost-effective.  They bear a few strawberries every few 
days throughout the entire growing season, but they are small and sparse -- 
worth it for one's own garden (I just harvested each day and put the 
berries in the freezer until I had enough to make jam), but I can't see 
anyone making money from them. . .


Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator
St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden

A mission of
St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA  19460