Anyway, back to the gauntlet. I have to admit I tried growing strawberries last year….I failed miserably! I got about 6 strawberries from as many plants and they measured about 2cm long and about 1cm fat….hardly a winner.

The reason I failed so miserably was because I didn’t follow some basic golden rules. There are three main factors that influence the flavour of strawberries, the variety you choose, how they grown and when they are harvested.

Strawberries love organic matter, just like all living things. The better the mineral and nutritional value of the soil the more sweet, fuller and disease resistent fruit you will grow. I didn’t feed my soil enough last year. High levels of organic matter also help to minimise soil temperature and moisture fluctuations, this helps the plants from stressing in climatic variances. Not all varities perform well in the same area – only by trial and error will you get this right.

Strawberries are planted from bare-rooted runners – your local nursery or mail ordercompany will sell these. Always of course ensure that you select strong looking plants, not necessarily with flowers.

The best time to plant your strawberry runner differs depending on your climate. Warm climates, plant in April for harvest in winter and early spring. In cooler climates plant in late winter and early spring for a fresh summer crop. Always plant after any danger of a frost has passed.

Often growers fail with planting strawberries because they bury the roots too deep. If you bury the crown the plant will rot. Only plant the runner as deep as the leaf stalks start to emerge. Plant runners at least 30cm apart to give the plants room to grow and adequate air circulation.

Strawberries are hungry feeders and constantly need extra nutrition. Extra feed may include compost, organic matter or fertilizer- this can be applied every six weeks. (Another mistake I made last year).

Strawberries will change colour but do not sweeten after harvest. So much of the fruit we buy has not fully ripened and so ceases the release of the natural sugars contained within the process, thus leaving the fruit tastless. The fruit may be rich in colour, plump in size, but the only way to ensure flavour and sweetness is to feed the soil and plenty of water.

Finally, if you decide to grow your strawberries in pots you will need to water and fertilize your plants more regularly.

So the challenge has been set, this year I have three stronger looking runners to try, let’s see if I can put just half a smile back on my wifes face with my efforts this summer.