Why Add Strawberries to Your Calgary Garden?
- Beautiful, shiny red fruit with tiny seeds
- Complements flowers like lilies and roses
- Rich history and symbolism of purity and royalty
- Delicious and visually appealing
Growing Tips for Calgary Gardens
Soil Preparation
- Prefer sandy loam soil rich in organic matter
- Amend soil with compost for better fertility and drainage
- Use raised beds to prevent waterlogging during snowmelt or heavy rain
Best Strawberry Types for Calgary
- June-bearing
- Main harvest in July (short season)
- Cultivars: ‘Bounty,’ ‘Kent,’ ‘Cavendish,’ ‘Honeyoe’
- Everbearing
- Main crop in summer, smaller in September
- Cultivar: ‘Fort Laramie’
- Day-neutral
- Continuous fruiting once mature
- Cultivars: ‘Fern,’ ‘Tribute,’ ‘Tristar’
- Ideal for Calgary’s variable climate
Planting Tips
- Choose sheltered, sunny spots (south-facing or protected from wind)
- Plant so that the crown is level with soil surface
- Space plants: 46 cm (18 in.) apart in rows
- Row spacing: 1.2 m (4 ft.) apart
Winter Protection
- Mulch in late October or early November (straw, leaves, pine needles)
- Apply before temperatures drop below -6°C (20°F)
- Protects against harsh Calgary winters
Watering & Irrigation
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and ripening
- Ensure a reliable water supply for better yields
Renovation & Maintenance
- After harvest, mow June-bearers to 5 cm (2 in.) above crowns
- Remove old foliage, fertilize, and bury runner nodes for new plants
- Helps plants stay healthy and produce more next year
Fertilization Tips
- Use balanced fertilizer like 16-20-0-12
- Apply around 0.9 kg (2 lbs) per 30 meters (100 ft.) of row
- Soil testing helps determine exact needs
Enjoy the Sweet Rewards!
- Add color and flavor to your garden
- Harvest fresh strawberries in summer, right in your backyard
- With proper care, strawberries can be a beautiful and tasty addition to your Calgary garden
