How the Strawberry Plant Develops:
Strawberry plants are harvested one year after planting. They are
planted early in the springtime and runner plants emerge during
the summer to form a matted row. No strawberries are picked in the
first year. During the winter, the strawberry beds are covered with
straw in order to protect them from cooler weather. During the next
year, once the plants have grown bright white flowers, the berries
can be picked.
Picking the Strawberries:
Strawberries last longer and look better when they are picked and
handled properly. Because strawberries are tender, they are prone
to bruising. Larger berries usually snap off more easily, while
the smaller ones are more difficult to remove.
*Grab the stem just above the berry, between the forefinger and
thumbnail, and pull with a twisting motion
*With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow
it to roll into the palm of your hand.
*Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds three
or four berries.
*Carefully place the berries into a container.
*Do not overfill the containers or try to mash the berries down,
this will destroy them.
Tips for Strawberry Pickers:
*Be careful so that your feet and knees do not damage the plants.
*DO not exceed a five-inch deep limit when placing your strawberries
in a container.
*Pick only the berries that are completely red.
*Part the leaves with your hands to look for berries that may be
hidden.
*Pick the row clean and remove berries that look like they may be
rotting, sunburned, insect-ridden, or contain other defects.
*Try to pick the berries early in the morning or on cool, cloudy
days. Berries that are picked in the middle of the day when it is
hot outside often become soft and bruised. These will not keep well.
*Do not place the berries in the hot sun longer than necessary.
It is better to put them in the shade of the tree than a hot, muggy
trunk in a car. Cool them as soon as possible when you get them
home. Freshly picked strawberries should only be kept in the refrigerator
for about three days, unless you plan to freeze them.
