Our first strawberry 🍓

You know that feeling when you're nurturing something, day in and day out, and then you finally see the fruits of your labor? Well, that's exactly how I felt when we discovered our very first strawberry peeking out from our wooden planter box! I'd been tending to these green strawberry plants for a while, and even with the little ones running around – their bare feet often a blur in the garden – I wasn't expecting such a unique surprise for our inaugural harvest. When I reached in to pick it, gently cradling it in my hand, I couldn't help but laugh. This wasn't your perfectly symmetrical, store-bought berry. Oh no. This was a truly uniquely shaped, almost bifurcated little marvel! It looked like it was trying to grow into two strawberries but just decided to stick together. It got me wondering, why do some strawberries grow so oddly? I did a bit of digging, and apparently, these quirky shapes aren't uncommon, especially in homegrown patches. Sometimes it's due to incomplete pollination, maybe because not enough bees visited that particular blossom. Other times, it can be something called 'fasciation,' which is where the plant's growing tip flattens and widens, leading to a sprawling, fused growth. Or even just temperature fluctuations during the early growth stages can play a role. Whatever the reason, it just made our first strawberry even more special and a great conversation starter! For anyone else thinking of starting their own strawberry patch, especially in a wooden planter box like ours, here are a few things I've learned that might help you get a sweet, albeit possibly uniquely shaped, harvest: First, choose the right plants. We went with ever-bearing varieties, which produce fruit throughout the summer, rather than just one big flush. They're great for containers! Second, location, location, location! Strawberries absolutely love sunshine. Make sure your planter gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. This is key for sweet, delicious berries. Third, soil and watering are crucial. Use a good quality potting mix that drains well but can also retain some moisture. Strawberries need consistent watering, especially when they're fruiting. Don't let them dry out completely, but also avoid soggy roots. I usually check the soil moisture with my finger; if the top inch feels dry, it's time to water. Fourth, feed them! Like any plant in a confined space, they'll appreciate some nutrients. I use a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to encourage strong growth and fruit production. Finally, keep an eye out for pests. Slugs and birds love strawberries as much as we do! I've had to get creative with some netting to protect our precious berries. And when it comes to harvesting, make sure the berry is fully red before you pick it for the best flavor. Gently twist the stem or cut it, leaving a little bit of green stem attached. There's something incredibly satisfying about walking out to your own garden, even a small planter box, and picking fresh produce. It's a connection to nature, a lesson for the kids, and a delicious reward all rolled into one. Even if your first strawberry looks a little bit wild, embrace its uniqueness! It's a testament to the magic of growing your own food. Happy gardening!