Strawberries

Strawberries might be the most-loved fruit on a homestead, and for good reason. There’s nothing like the taste of a sun-warmed strawberry picked straight from your own garden. Whether you plant June-bearing varieties for one big harvest perfect for canning jam and freezing, or everbearing varieties for a steady trickle of berries all season, strawberries are a rewarding, family-friendly crop to grow. They do need a little care in their first year to establish well, and a good layer of mulch goes a long way toward keeping the berries clean and the weeds down. Below you’ll find our tips for planting, growing, and harvesting strawberries, plus help figuring out exactly how many you’ll need for your favorite recipes.