S C F A R M T O S C H O O L . C O M

P A L M E T T O P I C K O F T H E M O N T H

Strawberries

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S C F A R M T O S C H O O L . C O M

For more information about other fruits and vegetables available in South Carolina each month, please visit

C E R T I F I E D S C G R O W N . C O M

Palmetto Pick O F T H E M O N T H

J A N U A R Y

S E P T E M B E R O C T O B E R N O V E M B E R D E C E M B E R

M A Y J U N E J U L Y A U G U S T

F E B R U A R Y M A R C H A P R I L

Greens

Tomatoes

Squash Broccoli Cabbage

Sweet Potatoes

Blueberries

Peppers

Watermelon Peaches

Lettuce Strawberries

For more information about other fruits and vegetables available in South Carolina

each month, please visit

C E R T I F I E D S C G R O W N . C O M

A P R I L

Strawberries are the most popular berry in the world, famous for

their red flesh containing seeds. They are the first to ripen in the

spring and often produce a bountiful crop. There are over 600

varieties of strawberry plants, like the June-bearer which is the

most popular in South Carolina.

PREPARING

Pick strawberries in the store or

market that are already ripe, since

they do not ripen anymore after

being picked. Medium size straw-

berries usually have the most

flavor. Refrigerate the berries in

drawers for 3-5 days or wash and

freeze them for two months.

GROWING STRAWBERRIESSun Exposure: Full Sun

Soil Type : Loamy

Soil pH: Acidic to Neutral

Choose a strawberry variety that grows best in your region. Plant

strawberries in early spring, they can typically survive a spring frost.

Strawberries have large root systems and need ade-quate draining

which makes them great plants for raised beds. Till and fertilize the

soil before planting the crop by just covering the crown of the plant

with the roots spread out well. Allow about 2 feet between each plant.

To care for the strawberry plants, water about 1 inch per week while

picking off the flowers. Pick the strawberries 4-6 weeks after planting.

Pick the bright red berries only by cutting the stem.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Strawberries are great sources

of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Vitamin C is needed to give us

great skin and bones.

BooksThe First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

From Seed to Strawberry by Mari Schuh

PALMETTO PICK OF THE MONTH SNACK

Strawberries make a great

snack by themselves, or

they can be covered in

Greek Yogurt for some

extra protein.