Strawberry Season in Maryland: Growing Tips and Peak Timing

Maryland is known for its picturesque landscape and agricultural tradition. It’s also a state with a huge strawberry season, which farmers and families in Maryland look forward to each year. Just as the snow begins to give way to spring, you can find strawberries starting to emerge in Maryland.

In this article, we’ll look at the strawberry season in Maryland. We’ll explore the best times to enjoy these succulent berries and offer essential tips for growing your own strawberries.

Strawberry Varieties in Maryland

Not all strawberries are the same at all. You can pick from many strawberry varieties, each boasting its own characteristics and flavors. For instance, some strawberries bear fruit always, while others only bear for a specific period. Maryland’s climate and soil are perfect for several varieties.

June-bearing strawberries are the stars of the strawberry season in Maryland. These varieties are known for producing a concentrated yield of luscious berries over a few weeks, typically around the month of June.

Strawberry varieties in this category include Earliglow, Allstar, and Chandler. They’re known for their vibrant red hues and robust flavors. Their sweetness is commonly seen on supermarket shelves, too.

There are also overbearing varieties that produce strawberries from late spring to the first frost. These are a favorite among those that want a consistent harvest that they can enjoy throughout the growing season.

In Maryland, Tristar and Albion varieties both fall into this category. Consider these options if you’re looking for a longer harvest season.

For those seeking a unique twist on traditional strawberries, alpine varieties present an intriguing option. These tiny berries are smaller in size but very flavorful. They’re perfect for small-space gardens or even containers. While they may be small, they’re known for their concentrated flavor.

When selecting strawberry varieties for your Maryland garden, you must consider factors such as your location, available space, and desired harvest period. All of these varieties will grow in Maryland. It’s mostly a matter of which one works best for you.

Peak Strawberry Season in Maryland

The exact timing of strawberry season in Maryland differs from year to year. Weather patterns and climate fluctuations can affect when strawberries become available. Usually, the strawberry season kicks off in late May to early June. Sometimes, it may extend into July.

A mild winter followed by a gradual warming trend in the spring tends to promote early berry development. However, a late frost or prolonged cold spell can delay the growth of strawberry plants, subsequently pushing back the harvest window.

Farmers and gardeners watch weather forecasts and plant growth indicators to gauge when the first berries are ready for picking.

Many families have traditions of picking strawberries in June – whether in their own garden or on a farm nearby. The experience is not just about the harvest; it’s about connecting with the land, supporting local agriculture, and relishing the natural flavors of the region.

Tips for Growing Strawberries in Maryland

Maryland is a great place to grow strawberries. Many varieties grow well in the state, letting even a novice gardener enjoy a fruitful harvest. These tips help you cultivate your own rich patch of ruby gems.

Choose the Right Location

When planning to grow strawberries, it’s important to carefully consider the location. To ensure that your strawberry patch thrives, it is recommended that you choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

This is because strawberries require full sun exposure to produce optimal fruit yields and develop their signature sweet flavor. So, be sure to choose a location that provides ample sunlight for your strawberry plants to flourish.

Preparing the Soil

Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend the soil with well-rotted compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility.

In order to ensure the optimal growth and health of your strawberry plant, it is highly recommended to provide the soil with essential nutrients. This is particularly crucial if you have been cultivating in the same soil for a prolonged period of time. By enriching the soil with the necessary nutrients, you can help promote the growth of strong and vibrant strawberry plants, ultimately leading to a more abundant and fruitful harvest.

Planting Techniques

Plant your strawberry plants in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart. Ensure that the plant’s crown is at soil level, neither too deep nor too shallow. Further apart is always better, as strawberries require plenty of airflow.

Consider Adding Mulch or Straw

Apply a layer of straw or mulch around the strawberry plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent soil-borne diseases. Make sure to leave a small space around the crown of each plant to prevent rot.

You can also use landscaping fabric, which performs the same function. However, it should be added when the plants are fairly small.

Water and Fertilizer

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the soil without wetting the foliage. Wet foliage can lead to diseases. (Strawberries are not the healthiest plants.)

Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again after the first harvest. Strawberries are prone to boron deficiencies, so be sure to use a fertilizer that includes it.

Pest and Disease Management

Be vigilant about common pests such as slugs, snails, and birds that may target your strawberry plants. Consider using physical barriers, such as netting, to protect your harvest. In my experience, you always need some sort of netting to protect the berries.

It has been known that birds can be quite fond of strawberries. In fact, they can be quite voracious in their consumption of this delectable fruit. To prevent these winged creatures from feasting on your strawberry harvest, a few simple solutions can be implemented. One effective method is to cover your plants with bird netting or reflective tape. This can serve as a deterrent to birds.

Another option is to use small bags that fit over the strawberries, preventing birds from having access to them. These solutions can help ensure that you have a bountiful strawberry harvest.

Monitor for signs of disease, like gray mold (botrytis) or powdery mildew, and promptly remove affected foliage. Strawberries are notorious for getting diseased, so look at the leaves often and treat problems early.

Maintenance

Over time, strawberry plants tend to become less productive, so it’s important to take steps to keep your patch healthy and thriving. One effective strategy is to renovate your strawberry bed by removing older plants and encouraging new runners to take root. By doing so, you can ensure that your strawberry plants continue to produce bountiful harvests for years to come.

Summary of Strawberry Season in Maryland

Maryland has a great strawberry season. Strawberries grow very efficiently in the state. You’ll find farms that specialize in growing strawberries and allow families to come pick them. You can also plant the strawberries in your own backyard, allowing you to enjoy a harvest of your own.

Growing strawberries isn’t challenging, but keeping the animals away is. Yoru biggest pests will be birds and rabbits. You can cover the strawberries with tiny nets to prevent them from being eaten before the harvest.

Be sure to watch out for deficiencies and treat your strawberries with fertilizer yearly (at the very least).