We've had two (maybe three?) nights when the strawberry plants shivered in temps down to the high 20s, and the soil around them, probably because of our mostly sunless, gray days, has become frozen on top.
Time to spread a blanket of straw on them for the winter.
We had the help of our quasi-grandson to accomplish the task. Look closely on the top of the bale of straw and you'll see the bobcat he brought out to move the straw with.
I guessed it would take two bales of straw (they're big, hefty bales) to cover the whole berry patch, but ended up needing about a third of one more.
Then we laid cattle panels on top of the straw to keep it from blowing away before a few inches of snow fall and are enough to hold it in place.
Not a hard task, but it feels good to get it crossed off the list.
What a nifty way to put your strawberries to bed for the winter. And what a nifty helper. Mine could use a blanket of dried leaves (probably. Except I have no helper).
ReplyDeleteHello! I am Anonymous who won the two quilted potholders in October. I have emailed you twice with my name and mailing address butI have not received any response. My eyesight is poor so I always assume that I have done something incorrect when it comes to using any technology! I have tried to win some of your beautiful quilt work many times so I was so excited when I did! My name is Barbara Walsh at 3021 No 90 St., Lincoln, NE 68507.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Leigh - Our helper could probably have moved your leaves with his bulldozer more easily than he could move the straw!
ReplyDeleteHello, Barbara! I never received any notification from you so decided you had changed your mind about the potholders! Now that I have your mailing address, I'll get them in the mail to you asap. Good that you reached out to me this way. I'll let you know when I drop them off at the post office.
What a mighty little bulldozer, to do all that work!!! Those cattle panels are so useful for so many things.
ReplyDeleteRosalea - I was just informed that the little guy's machine is a bobcat, not a bulldozer. Guess I've got to learn as a quasi-grandma to a little boy! The cattle panels . . . hubby commented the same thing as we were putting them in place to hold down the straw. What a good piece of equipment to use for many applications.
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ReplyDeleteGood work there. I need to get some straw
ReplyDeleteYour quasi-grandson is adorable! No matter how large or small, it's always so satisfying to check something off a list, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteGranny Sue - I know it would seem crazy to many people, but having a good supply of straw is a satisfying feeling! Plus, this that I used to cover the strawberry patch with will be raked off in the spring and reused as mulch in other parts of the garden next season.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I was recently reading where someone said it is silly to make lists. If a task is important enough, you'll remember to get it done. Nuh-uh! Plus, as you say, being able to take a thick marker and cross it off the list is soooo satisfying! (Are we crazy?)
Thats so smart! I only have 3 strawberry plants left.
ReplyDeleteVal - Do you have trouble growing strawberries in your "southern" location? Personally, I think strawberries are one of the most labor intensive fruits to grow, but they're Papa Pea's favorite so . . . ;o)
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