Page 21 - ALG Issue 2 2025

FRUIT
providing a long season of harvest.
•
'Malling Opal' – Known for its extended
cropping, this variety continues fruiting
through to the frosts and beyond.
For Colder Climates:
•
'Honeoye' – Hardy and resilient, thriving
in cooler climates, this variety is known
for its early-season yield.
•
'Lucy' – With a long flowering season,
'Lucy' is resistant to frost and produces
sweet, juicy berries even in colder regions.
Unusual and Unique:
•
'Alpine White Soul' – A rare white
strawberry variety with red seeds, offering
an unusual look and aromatic flavour
that pairs well with mesclun mixes and
baby greens. This variety provides small,
aromatic fruits over a long season, but
requires protection from direct sunlight.
Each variety has unique benefits based
on your growing conditions and needs—
choose your favourite!
Common Strawberry Pests and
Diseases
1. Slugs and Snails: These pests damage
strawberries by eating the fruit. Place
straw around the fruit or use organic
pest control methods to deter them.
2. Birds: are attracted to strawberries,
potentially ruining your crop. Protect
your plants by covering them with
secure netting to keep the birds away.
3. Grey Mould: This is a fungal disease
that thrives in wet conditions, causing
fruit to rot and develop a fuzzy grey
appearance. Prevent it by watering in
the morning, keeping the soil clear of
debris, and removing infected fruits
promptly.
4. Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery
coating on leaves that occurs in hot,
dry weather. To prevent this, keep the
soil moist, remove affected leaves, and
ensure proper spacing between plants
for better airflow.
5. Frost Damage: Late frosts in May can
harm strawberry plants. Protect them
by covering the plants with fleece or
moving pots under cover if frost is
forecast.
6. Vine Weevil: This pest is a major
problem for potted strawberries. The
adult weevils notch leaves, while the
larvae feed on roots, weakening or
killing plants. Handpick adults and use
biological controls in late summer or
autumn to target larvae.
7. Aphids: Cause leaf distortion and
yellowing and may transmit diseases.
Control them with a vinegar-water
spray (1:3) on stems and undersides,
repeating after a week, or use
insecticidal soap.
8. Two-Spotted Spider Mites: feed on
leaves, improving strawberry quality
in small numbers but harming plants
in large populations. Spray them off
with a strong water stream or use
insecticidal soap or pesticides sparingly
to protect beneficial insects.
9. Fruit Flies: Fruit flies infest
strawberries by laying eggs in the fruit,
with the larvae attracting cockroaches.
Control them by placing a trap filled
with apple cider vinegar, a few drops
of dish soap, and small holes in the lid.
This will attract and drown the flies
10. Strawberry Sap Beetles: These bore
into ripe or damaged fruits, causing
holes and potentially introducing
fungal diseases. Control them with
homemade bait traps like stale beer
or a mixture of water, molasses, yeast,
or dish soap with overripe fruit.
Strawberries are a cherished part of
British culture, diet, and gardens. With
health benefits, historical significance, and
easy cultivation, they’re a rewarding crop
for allotment holders, offering fresh fruit
and supporting local biodiversity.
Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 2 2025 | 21