Punnets of pleasure

But think positive. Think about all those strawberries which vanished

down all those throats at the All England championships.

Where did they come from, what did they taste of, how were they grown, can you do better? The only question there that requires an answer is the last one – and "yes" is the answer.

Strawberries grown in your own garden, in a bed or container you prepared and tended, will taste much better than the plump, passionless punnet fulls bought from the supermarket.

Because not only do you know what's gone into growing them – you've grown them, and that fact adds 50 per cent more to the sense of appreciation when you actually taste them.

So why don't we grow more? Or why do so many people start with good intentions and then allow their strawberry beds to run to neglect?

Strawberries are easy to grow and simple to propagate. They like moist soils but prefer a sandy loam which drains well and has plenty of organic matter dug in. All the gardener has to do is keep it free of weeds.

Start off by preparing the bed (spring is considered to be the best time, but if you want to start tomorrow, then go ahead – you'll just have to do a bit of tidying later on).

To avoid the threat of disease, get your new plants from a reputable source. Set plants 18-24 inches apart in rows four feet apart.

If you haven't got the space, grow them as the edge to a border – the flowers are attractive and the fruits will be easy to pick.

The tip of the crown should be left clear of the soil. Spread the roots evenly, pack the soil and then water well.

Never let the soil dry out because strawberries are great moisture lovers, although they detest being waterlogged.

Weed control is vital – nothing should be allowed to compete for nutrients and water. So, regular hand-weeding or careful hoeing is a must.

In autumn, you can apply a deep layer of straw to protect the plants but it's optional and you'll have to remove the mulch in spring.

Strawberries suffer from several diseases and are prone to attack from a number of pests, but the biggest threat is the slug – the fruits are every bit as tasty to them as they are to you.

To propagate plants, watch for runners forming and then remove all but two or three from each plant.

Those that remain should be pinned to the soil (alternatively, pin them into their own 3in plant pots filled with compost). Eventually, they will produce their own root system and they can be cut off from their parent and planted in their own space.

They will be perfect clones and will grow rapidly to replace elderly plants which have got too long in the root.

Allow a mature plant to fruit for three years – never forgetting to thank it for all those lovely berries.

Strawberries will also grow happily in pots, but they will need watering regularly and the compost should be changed annually.

YP MAG 3/7/10