sum-up

1. Choosing the Right Variety

choose the rightstrawberry varietyfor Louisiana ’s climate is crucial . Popular choices include :

2. Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Strawberries thrive in well - drained , more or less acidic soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . take asunny locationwith at least six hours of sunlight per day . Prepare the stain by tilling it to a profoundness of 12 inches andadding organic mattersuch as compost or manure .

3. Planting and Spacing

Plant strawberry in late February orearly March , spacing the plants 12 - 18 inches apart in course that are 3 - 4 foot asunder . Dig holes deep enough to accommodate the ascendant and spread them out . implant the crowns point with the soil surface .

4. Mulching and Watering

Mulch around the plants with straw orpine needlestosuppress grass , preserve moisture , and shape soil temperature . Water strawberry mark regularly , particularly during red-hot anddry atmospheric condition . Aim for 1 - 1.5 inch of water per workweek .

5. Fertilizing

fecundate strawberries every 4 - 6 workweek with abalanced fertilizersuch as 10 - 10 - 10 . stave off over - fertilizing , as it can lead to excessive foliation ontogeny and tighten fruit production .

6. Pest and Disease Control

strawberry are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases . Common pests let in aphid , wanderer mites , and whitefly . Diseases to watch over out for include powdery mold , gray mold , and anthracnose . Monitor yourplants regularlyfor signs of pests or disease and care for consequently .

7. Harvesting

strawberry mature 6 - 8 weeks after plant . Harvest the berries when they arefully redand more or less soft . Avoid picking them when they are wet , as this can encourage rot . treat theberries gentlyto avoid bruising .

8. Extending the Season

To extend the strawberry mark time of year , embed a variety of early- , mid- , and late - time of year cultivar . you could alsogrow strawberriesin raised beds or containers to control thesoil temperatureand drainage .

9. Companion Planting

Companion planting can gain strawberries . Plant garlic , onions , or marigolds nearby to repulse pests . obviate planting strawberries near tomatoes , peppers , or potatoes .

10. Rotation

Rotate strawberry crops every 3 - 4 yr to foreclose stain - borne disease and improve dirt fertility .

11. Overwintering

Strawberries are not frigid - stout andrequire protectionduring thewinter calendar month . Cover the plants with athick layerof mulch or row covers to insulate them from the frigidity .

FAQ

1 . When is the dependable prison term toplant strawberriesin Louisiana?Late February or early March.2 . What is theideal land pHfor strawberries?5.5 to 6.5.3 . How often should I irrigate strawberries?1 - 1.5 inches of water per week.4 . What is the mostcommon pestof strawberries in Louisiana?Aphids.5 . How can I launch the strawberry season?Plant a miscellany of cultivar andgrow strawberriesinraised bedsor containers.6 . What aregood fellow traveler plantsfor strawberries?Garlic , onion , and marigolds.7 . How long does it take for strawberry to ripen?6 - 8 weeks after planting.8 . How do Ihandle strawberriesduring harvest?Gently to forfend bruising.9 . How often should I spread out strawberry crops?Every 3 - 4 years.10 . How do Ioverwinter strawberriesin Louisiana?Cover the plants with athick layerof mulch or words covers .