North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Jim Fruth" <jfruth@tds.net>]

Mark wrote, " My conclusion: people up north, even though it's colder, get 
plenty of snow to insulate their plants."

Mark,
   A year ago, I got no snow here in North Central Minnesota.  The frost 
penetrated down 6', more is some places.  I hadn't covered my strawberries; 
I never do. The plants were just as healthy as ever and I got the same 
amount of berries that I normally get.  Honestly, I don't know what all the 
fuss is about with people thinking they need to cover their strawberry 
plants.  You know, it is really difficult to kill a strawberry plant.
   Could it be......................I have a soil test done every year to 
keep my strawberries at optimal fertility.  Could it be that strawberry 
patches that aren't maintained at proper levels of fertility are the ones 
that need winter protection?  Possibility?

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN  56472
For jams, jellies & syrups:
www.bberryfarm.com
(877)265-6856 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My Cell]