Growing Organic Strawberries

(summarized by Pam Fisher from a presentation to the North American Strawberry Growers Association, Savannah, Ga., January, 2006)

Different strawberry production systems can be adapted to organic production, including the matted row system, which is lightly mulched with straw in the planting year to reduce weeds, and the plasticulture system. In both cases, best results are achieved when the crop is harvested for just one year.

Weed control is a challenge for both conventional and organic strawberry growers. Tools for weed control include the Lely springtine, Buddingh finger weeder, and the Reigi weeder. The Reigi is now available in 2 and 3 row models, and very popular. Hand weeding is still needed in addition to the mechanical weed control provided by these implements.

Crop rotations and the use of cover crops are important organic production strategies. Grain underseeded to hay (grown for 5 years) helps build the soil. This must be followed by a year of annual cover crops to control white grubs and other soil insects. A popular cover crop after berries is oats and hairy vetch. Other rotational schemes include a series of green manures (buckwheat, soybeans or cowpeas) and fallow. The green manure/fallow cycle is repeated for two-three summers, ending with oats in the fall before going back to berries.

A biologically active soil resulting from green manures and cover crops will have large reserves of nutrients to feed the crop. Nutrient reserves are built over the years and then maintained for the most part with composts. Natural sources of plant nutrients can be used to supplement nutrient needs.

Insect pests can sometimes be controlled by crop rotation. For example, crop rotation is the only way to control strawberry rootworm. Clipper weevil can be kept in check by crop rotation, with a maximum of 2 years fruiting. However, crop rotation doesn't help with tarnished plant bug control. Damage from this pest can be reduced by managing vegetation on land around the field, don't mow anything while strawberries are in bloom.

Row covers and black plastic mulch (non photodegradable) are allowed in organic production.
Certain organically acceptable slug and mouse baits are available.

For more information Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener's Association. Check out the New Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station.

Related Links

• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardener's Association
• Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, NYSAES
• Cultivation Tools for Mechanical Weed Control in Vegetables, Cornell University
• Cultivation Equipment for Weed Control: pros, cons & sources, University of Vermont Extension
• Use of Mechanical Cultivatorsfor Market Vegetable Crops, AAFC
  

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