September 6, 2022 - Garden and Allotment Tips and Advice

Buddy Strawberry Plants – Everbearing: The Comprehensive Guide

Buddy Strawberry Plants – Everbearing are a delightful addition to any garden, offering the joy of harvesting fresh strawberries multiple times throughout the growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner eager to cultivate your own sweet treats, Buddy Everbearing Strawberries provide a reliable and productive option. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about Buddy Strawberry Plants – Everbearing, including their benefits, planting techniques, care, maintenance, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Introduction

Strawberries are beloved for their sweet flavor, versatility in culinary applications, and the simple pleasure of picking them fresh from the garden. Among the various types of strawberries available, everbearing varieties like the Buddy Strawberry Plant stand out for their ability to produce fruit multiple times during the growing season. This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to successfully grow and maintain Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants, ensuring a continuous supply of delicious berries throughout the year.

Overview of Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants

Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants are a specific cultivar known for their consistent and prolonged fruiting period. Unlike June-bearing strawberries, which produce a single large crop annually, everbearing varieties like Buddy offer two to three harvests per season. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a steady supply of fresh strawberries without the need to replant each year.

Key Features:

Multiple Harvests: Produces strawberries in spring, summer, and fall.
High Yield: Generates a substantial amount of fruit compared to other everbearing varieties.
Compact Growth: Suitable for various garden sizes, including containers and raised beds.
Disease Resistance: Shows resilience against common strawberry diseases, reducing maintenance efforts.

Allotment and Kitchen Garden Book

Are you starting an allotment or planning on growing your own fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers in a kitchen garden? If so we highly recommend the book Allotment Month By Month. This does exactly what it does on the cover to help you with what you should be doing in the allotment and kitchen garden each month. Below you can see the link for Amazon where you can purchase the book directly. This book is extremely popular with all allotment holders as you will read in the reviews:-

Click to check the book on Amazon

You can check out all the allotment and kitchen garden books we recommend

Benefits of Everbearing Strawberries

Growing everbearing strawberries like the Buddy variety offers several advantages:

Continuous Harvest: Enjoy fresh strawberries over an extended period rather than a single season.
Space Efficiency: Maximizes garden space by producing multiple crops from the same plants.
Economic Value: Reduces the need to purchase strawberries from stores, saving money in the long run.
Environmental Impact: Minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transporting strawberries from farms to stores.
Culinary Diversity: Provides opportunities to use strawberries in various dishes throughout the growing season.

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting an optimal location is crucial for the successful cultivation of Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants.

Sunlight:

Full Sun: Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best yield and quality fruit.

Soil:

Well-Drained Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Soil pH: Ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. Conduct a soil test and amend accordingly if necessary.

Air Circulation:

Ventilation: Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases and promotes healthy plant growth.

Accessibility:

Ease of Access: Choose a spot that is easily accessible for regular maintenance tasks like watering, weeding, and harvesting.

How to Plant Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants

Proper planting techniques lay the foundation for a successful strawberry garden. Follow these steps to plant your Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants effectively.

Soil Preparation

Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from the chosen planting site.
Improve Soil Quality: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility and structure.
Adjust Soil pH: If your soil pH is outside the ideal range, amend it using lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower pH.
Create Raised Beds (Optional): For better drainage and soil control, consider planting in raised beds or containers.

Planting Techniques

Spacing: Space plants approximately 12-18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and room for runners.
Depth: Plant strawberries so that the crown (where the leaves emerge) is level with the soil surface. Avoid burying the crown to prevent rot.
Orientation: Arrange plants in rows with rows spaced about 3 feet apart for easy access and maintenance.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining your Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants involves regular care to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production.

Watering

Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Avoid Overhead Watering: Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilizing

Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil at planting time.
Ongoing Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support continuous fruiting.
Organic Options: Consider using compost tea or organic fertilizers like fish emulsion for a natural nutrient boost.

Mulching

Materials: Use straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves as mulch materials.
Benefits: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, and protects the roots from temperature extremes.
Application: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants, ensuring not to cover the crowns.

Pruning and Renovation

Removing Runners: Everbearing strawberries produce runners (stolons) that can be removed to direct energy toward fruit production.
Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers and fruit to encourage new blooms and prevent disease.
Renovation After Harvest: At the end of the growing season, mow or cut back the foliage to promote healthy new growth for the next year.

Harvesting

Harvesting strawberries at the right time ensures optimal flavor and quality.

Ripeness Indicators:
- Color: Fully ripe strawberries are bright red with no white or green areas.
- Texture: Ripe berries are firm yet slightly soft to the touch.
- Aroma: Sweet fragrance indicates ripeness.
Harvesting Technique:
- Gentle Picking: Gently twist or cut the berry from the stem to avoid damaging the plant.
- Frequent Harvesting: Check plants daily during peak season to harvest ripe berries promptly, encouraging further fruiting.
Post-Harvest Care:
- Storage: Store harvested strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best taste and texture.
- Handling: Handle berries carefully to prevent bruising and spoilage.

Common Pests and Diseases

Protecting your Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants from pests and diseases is essential for a healthy and productive garden.

Pests

Aphids:
- Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth.
- Control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
Slugs and Snails:
- Identification: Slimy pests that feed on plant leaves and fruit.
- Control: Use barriers like copper tape, set out beer traps, or apply diatomaceous earth.
Spider Mites:
- Identification: Tiny, spider-like pests that cause stippling and discoloration on leaves.
- Control: Increase humidity, spray plants with water, or use miticides if necessary.
Strawberry Bud Weevils:
- Identification: Weevils that lay eggs in unopened flower buds, causing misshapen berries.
- Control: Remove and destroy affected buds, use pheromone traps, or apply appropriate insecticides.

Diseases

Powdery Mildew:
- Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
- Control: Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Botrytis (Gray Mold):
- Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and fruit, leading to rotting.
- Control: Remove and destroy affected plant parts, ensure good air circulation, and avoid wetting foliage.
Leaf Spot:
- Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves with possible yellow halos.
- Control: Remove diseased leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as needed.
Verticillium Wilt:
- Symptoms: Yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth.
- Control: Rotate crops, use resistant varieties, and avoid planting in contaminated soil.

Companion Planting

Companion planting enhances garden productivity by promoting beneficial relationships between different plants.

Basil:
- Benefits: Repels aphids and other pests; enhances the flavor of strawberries.
- Planting Tip: Grow basil near strawberry plants to deter pests and improve berry taste.
Borage:
- Benefits: Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects; improves soil health.
- Planting Tip: Incorporate borage around strawberries to encourage pollination and natural pest control.
Garlic:
- Benefits: Repels spider mites and aphids.
- Planting Tip: Plant garlic bulbs near strawberries to deter unwanted pests.
Chives:
- Benefits: Repel aphids and Japanese beetles.
- Planting Tip: Grow chives alongside strawberries to protect them from common pests.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing common problems promptly ensures the health and productivity of your Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants.

Poor Fruit Production:
- Causes: Insufficient sunlight, inadequate fertilization, excessive shading from nearby plants.
- Solutions: Ensure plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, adjust fertilization practices, and thin out surrounding vegetation to reduce shading.
Yellowing Leaves:
- Causes: Overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, root diseases.
- Solutions: Check soil moisture levels, adjust watering frequency, and amend soil with appropriate fertilizers. Inspect roots for signs of disease and treat accordingly.
Wilting Despite Adequate Water:
- Causes: Root rot, soil compaction, pests attacking roots.
- Solutions: Improve soil drainage, aerate compacted soil, and inspect roots for pest damage. Remove and treat affected plants if necessary.
Leggy Growth:
- Causes: Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, lack of nutrients.
- Solutions: Ensure adequate sunlight exposure, thin out plants to reduce overcrowding, and provide balanced fertilization.

Resources and Support

Enhance your knowledge and skills with the following resources:

Local Gardening Clubs: Join Sheffield-based gardening clubs or societies for workshops, plant exchanges, and community support.
Sheffield City Council: Access information on gardening regulations, available resources, and support through the Sheffield City Council Gardening Page.
Gardening Libraries: Visit local libraries or online repositories for books, magazines, and articles on strawberry cultivation and horticulture.
Online Forums and Communities: Participate in online gardening forums, social media groups, or platforms like Reddit’s r/gardening for tips and advice.
Workshops and Training: Attend local workshops or webinars on strawberry gardening, pest management, and sustainable practices offered by gardening centers or community organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Makes Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants Different from Other Varieties?

Answer: Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants are distinguished by their ability to produce multiple harvests throughout the growing season, offering a continuous supply of fresh strawberries. They are known for their high yield, disease resistance, and compact growth habit, making them suitable for various garden sizes, including containers and raised beds.

2. How Long Do Everbearing Strawberry Plants Last?

Answer: With proper care and maintenance, Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants can remain productive for several years. Typically, their peak production occurs in the first 3-4 years, after which yields may gradually decline. Regular renovation and division can help extend their lifespan and maintain productivity.

3. Can I Grow Buddy Everbearing Strawberries in Containers?

Answer: Yes, Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants are well-suited for container gardening. Choose a large pot with good drainage, use high-quality potting mix, and ensure the container receives ample sunlight. Regular watering and fertilization are essential to support healthy growth in containers.

4. Do Everbearing Strawberries Require More Maintenance Than June-Bearing Varieties?

Answer: Everbearing strawberries like the Buddy variety require consistent maintenance to support multiple harvests. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, deadheading, and pest management. However, the extended yield and continuous harvesting make the additional maintenance worthwhile for many gardeners.

5. How Do I Prevent My Strawberry Plants from Spreading Too Much?

Answer: To control the spread of runners (stolons), regularly prune or remove them. This directs the plant’s energy toward fruit production rather than spreading. Additionally, spacing plants adequately and maintaining proper garden hygiene can help prevent excessive spreading.

6. Can I Grow Buddy Everbearing Strawberries in Shade?

Answer: While Buddy Everbearing Strawberries prefer full sun, they can tolerate partial shade. However, insufficient sunlight may result in reduced fruit yield and quality. Aim to provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal performance.

7. What Should I Do If My Strawberries Attract Too Many Bees?

Answer: Bees are beneficial pollinators for strawberry plants. However, if you find their presence overwhelming, consider planting bee-friendly flowers nearby to attract bees away from your strawberries. Alternatively, you can install bee houses or provide alternative food sources to divert their attention.

8. Is It Necessary to Rotate Strawberry Planting Sites Each Year?

Answer: Yes, rotating strawberry planting sites annually helps prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from establishing in the soil. Avoid planting strawberries in the same location for more than two consecutive years to maintain soil health and reduce disease risk.

9. How Can I Extend the Harvest Season of My Everbearing Strawberries?

Answer: To extend the harvest season, provide optimal growing conditions by ensuring adequate sunlight, consistent watering, and balanced fertilization. Regular deadheading and removing spent fruit encourage continuous blooming and fruiting. Additionally, protecting plants from extreme weather and pests supports prolonged productivity.

Conclusion

Buddy Everbearing Strawberry Plants offer a rewarding gardening experience with their multiple harvests, high yield, and resilient nature. By selecting the right location, following proper planting techniques, and maintaining consistent care, you can enjoy a continuous supply of sweet, juicy strawberries throughout the growing season. Whether grown in traditional garden beds or containers, Buddy Everbearing Strawberries are a versatile and valuable addition to any garden, providing both aesthetic beauty and delicious fruit.

Gardening With Ben Podcasts

If you love podcasts and are passionate about gardening, why not tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts? Packed with tips, inspiration, and plenty of down-to-earth advice, Ben’s podcasts are perfect for anyone looking to get the most out of their garden or allotment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Gardening with Ben covers a wide range of topics to keep you informed and motivated. From seasonal planting guides and pest control tips to creating a wildlife-friendly space, there’s something for everyone. Each episode is filled with Ben’s friendly, relatable charm, making it feel like you’re chatting with a gardening buddy.

Don’t miss out on the latest episode below, where Ben shares his insights on what to plant this month, how to prepare your soil, and creative ways to make the most of the colder seasons. It’s the perfect companion for your next cup of tea or a relaxing moment in your gardening shed.

You can also listen to Gardening with Ben’s podcasts on your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Prefer hands-free? Simply ask Alexa, “Play Gardening with Ben,” and you’ll be ready to dig into the latest episode.

So, if you’re looking for gardening inspiration, practical advice, or just a bit of friendly encouragement to get your hands dirty, tune in to Gardening with Ben’s Allotment Podcasts. It’s your perfect gardening companion, wherever you are! 🌱🎧

Day: September 6, 2022

Buddy Strawberry Plants – Everbearing