Strawberries are a delicate crop that require warm ground temperatures to blossom and plenty of light and water to grow large and ripe. They are prone to rot and easily damaged on the plant or in handling.

The plants come into fruit in Canada starting in June. Day-neutral and ever-bearing varieties then bear through the summer until frost takes them out.

Row covers, tunnels and other techniques are used to advance maturity and of course, hot house strawberries are ripe early.

Strawberries can be eaten raw or cooked. A ripe berry is firm, not mushy, and red all over. They are naturally sweet but cream and sugar are a traditional way to make them more succulent. For something different, try them in a salad.

More Information

Ontario Berry Growers Association, Ottawa.