Strawberries
Strawberries
To many, nothing says summer like the first local ripe strawberries of the season. A versatile fruit, strawberries (Fragaria spp.) can be consumed fresh, frozen, or in processed foods. Growers able to provide the earliest crop of these popular berries will often have the marketing edge.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | Medium to High |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- U-Pick
- Restaurants
- Local Grocery
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Insect pests include slugs, strawberry clippers, sap beetles, spittlebugs, strawberry rootworm, strawberry root weevil, eastern flower thrips and tarnished plant bug. Other pests include birds and deer, which can cause serious damage in some sites.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
Irrigation is necessary for commercial strawberry production.
Opportunities
- The quality of Kentucky-grown strawberries can be far superior to those shipped in.
- Following a post-harvest renovation program will maximize profit and yields, as well as prolong the life of the planting.
Other Strawberry Resources - Smaller Scale
- Backyard Berry Disease Management Using Cultural Practices - UK Plant Pathology
- Home Fruit Disease Management: Berries - UK Plant Pathology
- Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide - UK Plant Pathology
- Simplified Fungicide Guide for Backyard Fruit - UK Plant Pathology
- Disease and Insect Control Program for Home Grown Fruit in Kentucky including O…
Pests and Diseases
- Strawberry Pests - UK Entomology
- Commercial Strawberry Fungicide Schedule Worksheet & Sample Spray Guide - UK Pl…
- Effectiveness of Strawberry Fungicides - UK Plant Pathology
- Fruit, Orchard, and Vineyard Sanitation - UK Plant Pathology
- Anthracnose of Strawberry - UK Plant Pathology
- IPM Scouting Guide for Common Problems of Strawberry in Kentucky - UK Plant Pat…