In order to establish a productive strawberry planting, proper care after planting is essential. During the first growing season, all the blossoms should be removed from June-bearing strawberries. If the berries are allowed to develop, they will reduce plant growth, runner production, and next year's crop. Check the plants once a week and remove the blossoms by pinching or cutting. Flower production should cease by early July.

With everbearing and day-neutral strawberries, remove all blossoms until early July. Any flowers which bloom after this period may be allowed to develop into fruit. The first berries should ripen in August and continue until frost.

This article originally appeared in the May 6, 1992 issue, p. 72.