Best Strawberries To Grow In Tennessee

Picture this: warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, and the sweet, juicy taste of a freshly picked strawberry bursting in your mouth. Sounds heavenly, right? Well, that dream can become a reality, even in your own backyard here in Tennessee! Growing your own strawberries isn't as daunting as you might think, and with the right knowledge, you can be harvesting a bounty of delicious berries in no time. Let's dive into the world of Tennessee strawberries and discover the best varieties to cultivate in our unique climate.

Understanding Tennessee's Climate for Strawberry Growing

Tennessee's climate presents both opportunities and challenges for strawberry growers. We experience four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. This means choosing strawberry varieties that can tolerate temperature fluctuations and varying moisture levels is crucial for success. Understanding your specific USDA hardiness zone within Tennessee is also important, as this will further influence your selection. Generally, Tennessee falls within zones 6a to 7b. Consider that the ideal soil for strawberries is slightly acidic, with a p H between 5.5 and

6.5.

The Importance of Chill Hours for Tennessee Strawberries

Many strawberry varieties require a certain number of "chill hours" – the number of hours below 45°F (7°C) during the dormant season. This cold period is essential for proper bud development and subsequent fruit production. Tennessee winters generally provide enough chill hours for most common strawberry varieties, but it's still a factor to consider, especially if you live in a warmer area of the state. If you live in West Tennessee, closer to Memphis, your chill hours may be slightly less, so you would want a lower chill hour strawberry. In East Tennessee, closer to Knoxville, you typically get more chill hours, so you have more options. Make sure you research the requirements for your particular variety.

Top Strawberry Varieties to Grow in Tennessee

Now for the exciting part! Let's explore some of the best strawberry varieties that thrive in Tennessee's climate and provide exceptional flavor and yields. We'll break them down into different categories to help you choose the perfect fit for your garden.

June-Bearing Strawberries: A Classic Choice

June-bearing strawberriesare a popular choice for many gardeners due to their large, concentrated harvests. As the name suggests, they typically produce their fruit in late spring or early summer. These varieties are known for their exceptional flavor and are ideal for making jams, jellies, and pies. Some of the best June-bearing strawberries to grow in Tennessee include:

1. Chandler: Known for its large, flavorful berries and vigorous growth, Chandler is a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers in the Southeast. It's relatively disease-resistant and produces a high yield. This strawberry is very popular because of it's superior taste.
1. Earliglow: As the name suggests, Earliglow is an early-season variety, perfect for those eager to enjoy their first strawberries of the year. It boasts excellent flavor and good disease resistance, making it a reliable choice for Tennessee gardens.
1. Honeoye: This variety is praised for its cold hardiness and adaptability to various soil types. It produces large, firm berries with a slightly tart flavor, making it a versatile option for different uses.

Remember that June-bearing strawberries produce the following year after they are planted. Therefore, you won't get a lot of strawberries during the year that you plant them, but the following years will yield very large crops. June-bearing strawberries are also good for commercial farms because all the berries are ready to harvest within a short window of time.

Everbearing Strawberries: Continuous Harvests

Everbearing strawberries, unlike June-bearing varieties, produce two or three crops throughout the growing season. While the individual harvests may be smaller, the continuous production provides a steady supply of fresh strawberries for a longer period. These are a great option if you're looking for a constant supply of strawberries for snacking and immediate use. Some recommended everbearing varieties for Tennessee include:

1. Ozark Beauty: This variety is a reliable producer of large, flavorful berries. It's known for its adaptability and disease resistance, making it a low-maintenance option for Tennessee gardeners. Ozark Beauty also makes good runners for creating new plants.
1. Albion: Renowned for its exceptional flavor and firm texture, Albion is a popular choice for both fresh eating and preserving. It's also relatively resistant to common strawberry diseases.
1. Seascape: Seascape is a dependable everbearing variety that produces large, juicy berries with a sweet flavor. It's a good choice for growing in containers or raised beds.

Everbearing strawberries are especially beneficial for home gardeners or small gardens that want a few strawberries throughout the entire season instead of a large amount all at once like June-bearing strawberries. You'll get less yield overall, but you'll get it in small amounts over the entire season. They are not ideal for large scale strawberry farms, as it would be difficult to harvest only a few strawberries from each plant every day.

Day-Neutral Strawberries: The Longest Fruiting Season

Day-neutral strawberriesare similar to everbearing varieties in that they produce fruit throughout the growing season. However, they are less sensitive to day length, meaning they will continue to produce as long as the temperature is suitable. This makes them a great option for extending your strawberry harvest well into the fall. Here are some day-neutral varieties that perform well in Tennessee:

1. Tristar: Tristar is a popular day-neutral variety known for its excellent flavor and disease resistance. It produces medium-sized berries with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
1. Tribute: Similar to Tristar, Tribute is a reliable day-neutral variety with good disease resistance and a sweet flavor. It produces medium-sized berries that are perfect for fresh eating.

Tips for Successfully Growing Strawberries in Tennessee

Now that you know which varieties to choose, let's discuss some essential tips for growing healthy and productive strawberry plants in Tennessee:

Soil Preparation is Key

Strawberries thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. A slightly acidic soil p H (between 5.5 and

6.5) is ideal for strawberry growth. You can test your soil's p H using a soil testing kit and adjust it accordingly with lime or sulfur.

Sunlight and Watering

Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant fruit. Choose a planting location that receives plenty of sunshine. Water your strawberry plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Aim for consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Mulching is beneficial to maintain moisture.

Planting and Spacing

Plant strawberry plants in early spring or late fall. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. When planting, make sure the crown of the plant (the point where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can lead to crown rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out. Keep in mind that strawberries will produce runners, so keep the extra space in mind.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your strawberry plants in the spring after they begin to grow. Use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically formulated for strawberries. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production. You can also amend the soil with compost tea, or other natural fertilizer products.

Pest and Disease Control

Strawberries can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as spider mites, aphids, and fungal diseases. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of infestation or disease. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, to control pests. Preventative measures, such as good air circulation and proper watering, can help to prevent fungal diseases. Keep weeds out of the area to give the strawberries plenty of room to grow and keep pests away.

Harvesting Your Bounty

Harvest your strawberries when they are fully ripe and have a deep red color. Gently pluck the berries from the plant, being careful not to damage the fruit. Eat your strawberries fresh or use them to make delicious jams, jellies, pies, and other treats. Properly storing them is crucial to keep them fresh. A good rule of thumb is to refrigerate them as soon as possible, preferably in a single layer on a paper towel-lined container.

Troubleshooting Common Strawberry Growing Problems in Tennessee

Even with the best care, you may encounter some challenges when growing strawberries in Tennessee. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

1. Poor fruit set: This can be caused by insufficient pollination, cold temperatures, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your plants are getting adequate sunlight and water, and consider hand-pollinating the flowers if necessary. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to correct any nutrient deficiencies.
1. Root rot: This is a fungal disease that thrives in wet soil. Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter and avoid overwatering.
1. Pest infestations: Common strawberry pests include spider mites, aphids, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth, to control pests.
1. Bird damage: Birds love to eat strawberries! Protect your plants with netting or bird repellent devices.

With a little planning and effort, you can successfully grow delicious strawberries in your Tennessee garden. Choose the right varieties, provide proper care, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy gardening!