Planting Seeds of Sustainability: The Journey of Growing Strawberries

As I reflect on my husband’s childhood, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible feat he accomplished – growing pumpkins in the unforgiving gravel next to his house. Thinking about life emerging from such an unlikely place is an achievement that always amazes me!

He’s come a long way from his humble, gravel garden beginnings. With not just one but two green thumbs, he provides abundant produce to sustain us through the winter months. We make a fantastic team because while he has the gift of growing almost anything, I enjoy transforming his bountiful harvest into delicious meals and preserves. 

Our son, eager to learn from his dad, lends a hand in maintaining our yard, which has been thoughtfully designed to provide sustenance straight from the land. In these times, when the cost of groceries has skyrocketed, we are especially grateful for everything our garden offers.

The Arrival of Strawberry Season

As strawberry season dawns upon us here in Illinois, our days are filled with vibrant hues and succulent flavors. We gather baskets of flavorful strawberries almost daily, a testament to their ease of growth and reliable return each year. We’ve opted for the Ever Bearing variety, which lives up to its name. These resilient plants yield bounties of berries during the June-bearing season and then again in late summer.

Starting from seeds, a labor of love I documented in a previous post, https://happilyevercreative.com/starting-a-garden-on-a-budget-10-easy-tips-to-grow-your-own-food-from-seed/ we meticulously plant the young shoots about 12-14 inches apart, ensuring they have ample space to flourish. This delightful plant promises a bounty of berries for several years, which attests to the sustainability of our efforts.

Protecting our Precious Harvest

However, we must remain vigilant about garden invaders who attempt to indulge in the fruits of our labor. Feathered thieves, cheeky chipmunks, and sneaky squirrels emerge once the berries form, eager to claim their share. We’ve learned to drape a protective net over the plants to safeguard our precious harvest, but only after pollination. 

Here’s how you’ll know pollination is complete: the withering flowers serve as a sign, indicating that the fruits are beginning to take shape. Although strawberry plants are self-pollinating, the buzzing insects occasionally lend a helping wing.

Nurturing Our Berry Bounty

Watering strawberries is a delicate balancing act. We diligently observe the plant’s moisture levels, allowing it to dry out before quenching its thirst again. 

To further nurture our berries, we place a mulch bed around them, creating a protective cushion that prevents them from sitting directly on the ground. Through experience, we’ve learned that when the berries rest on the ground, they fall victim to birds, chipmunks, squirrels, and relentless slugs. 

Thankfully, we’ve discovered a simple yet effective solution. We dig a small hole near the plant and carefully nestle a jar lid filled with beer into the earth. It doesn’t matter which brand of beer we use since the slugs aren’t choosy connoisseurs. Even a non-alcoholic variety can lure them away from the plump, luscious berries.

Extending the Lifespan of Fresh Strawberries

Once the anticipated bounty of berries finally arrives, the clock starts ticking. Strawberries only remain fresh for 3-7 days from being picked, so we promptly embark on the art of preservation, ensuring these delights can be enjoyed throughout the year. 

We gently wash them in a vinegar-water solution, ensuring their cleanliness before beginning the preservation process. Our preservation elixir consists of a gallon of cool water infused with a quarter cup of white vinegar. We diligently dry each berry before placing them in a container that allows for adequate airflow.

Through this method, we’ve managed to extend the lifespan of our strawberries, savoring their flavor for up to two weeks. If you’re curious about how we transform these preserved treasures, check out our “In the Kitchen” section https://happilyevercreative.com/strawberry-basil-jam/ or find us on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LIsQNVp3ss where we share our favorite recipes that keep the essence of strawberries alive, even in the colder months.

From pumpkins growing defiantly in gravel gardens to strawberries flourishing in fertile Illinois soil, our produce is a testament to the love and dedication we invest. Working in harmony with nature, our family sows the seeds of self-sufficiency. We nurture our souls and bodies with every harvest, grateful for the bounty that graces our table throughout the seasons.