Ozark Beauty strawberries are a popular everbearing variety known for their delicious taste and continuous harvests throughout the growing season. This guide will provide you with all the necessary steps to successfully grow Ozark Beauty strawberries in your garden. 

Understanding Ozark Beauty Strawberries

Ozark Beauty strawberries are a highly sought-after everbearing variety, meaning they have the unique ability to yield fruit several times during the growing season. Typically, you can expect harvests in early summer, a second flush in midsummer, and a final crop in the fall. This extended fruiting period makes them ideal for gardeners seeking a steady supply of fresh strawberries throughout the growing season.

One of the standout characteristics of Ozark Beauty strawberries is their exceptional flavor. The berries are sweet, succulent, and large, making them perfect for a variety of uses. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the garden, add them to your favorite desserts, or make preserves, these strawberries are sure to delight. Their versatility and consistent production make them a best choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers. 

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the ideal location for your Ozark Beauty strawberries is crucial for a successful harvest. These plants flourish in full sun, needing a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight ensures the plants can photosynthesize effectively, leading to vigorous growth and abundant fruit production.

In addition to sunlight, the soil conditions are equally important. Strawberries prefer well-draining soil because waterlogged roots can lead to root rot and other diseases. If your garden soil is prone to retaining water, consider growing your strawberries in raised beds or on mounds. These elevated growing areas facilitate better drainage and help keep the roots healthy. Moreover, raised beds can warm up faster in the spring, giving your strawberries a head start in the growing season. 

Preparing the Soil

Creating the right soil environment is essential for the successful growth of Ozark Beauty strawberries. These plants thrive in medium acidic soil with a pH range between 5.5 & 6.5. To determine the current pH level of your garden soil, it’s advisable to conduct a soil test. Soil evaluation kits are readily available at garden centers, or you can send an analysis of a sample of your soil to the agricultural extension office in your community.

If the pH level of your soil is outside the preferred range, you can amend it accordingly. For instance, if your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by incorporating elemental sulfur or acidic organic materials like pine needles. On the other hand, if the soil is too acidic, you can increase the pH by adding lime. It’s important to make these adjustments well before planting to allow the amendments to integrate fully into the soil. 

Planting Ozark Beauty Strawberries

Proper planting techniques are vital for the establishment and productivity of your Ozark Beauty strawberry plants.

• Timing: The best time to plant Ozark Beauty strawberries is in early spring, just after the last frost date for your area. This timing ensures that young plants are not damaged by freezing temperatures and have a full growing season to establish themselves.
• Spacing: When planting, space each strawberry plant 12-18 inches apart. Rows should be set 3-4 feet apart. This spacing provides sufficient room for each plant to grow and spread its runners, which are horizontal stems that produce new plants. Adequate spacing also promotes good air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
• Planting Depth: Planting strawberries at the proper depth is essential. The roots need to be covered with soil, while the crown—the point where the leaves begin—should be at the soil surface. Burying the crown too deep can cause it to rot, and planting it too shallow may cause the roots to dry out. Make sure the hole is big enough for the roots of the plant to spread out without bending, and then carefully fill it with dirt, ensuring that the dirt is packed down tightly around the roots. 

Watering

Maintaining consistent moisture levels is essential for the healthy growth and fruit production of Ozark Beauty strawberries. During the fruiting period, it is particularly important to ensure that the plants do not dry out, as this can negatively affect the yield and quality of the berries. Aim to provide your strawberry plants with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This can be accomplished by watering regularly, particularly during dry spells.

The method of watering is also crucial. Utilizin drip irrigation or a soaker hose is highly advisable, as these methods deliver water directly to the soil and roots, keeping the foliage dry. This helps lessen the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew and gray mold, which flourish in moist conditions. Additionally, watering in the early morning allows the plants to dry off quickly, further reducing disease risk. 

Mulching

Mulching is an effective practice that offers multiple benefits for growing Ozark Beauty strawberries. Applying mulch around your strawberry plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and keep the berries clean by preventing soil splashes during watering or rainfall.

Several types of mulch can be used effectively:

• Straw: Straw is a common choice for mulching strawberries. It provides excellent moisture retention, suppresses weeds, and can be easily removed at the end of the season.
• Pine Needles: Pine needles are another excellent mulching option. They help maintain soil acidity, which is beneficial for strawberries, and provide good aeration and water retention.
• Black Plastic: Black plastic mulch is highly effective in warming the soil early in the season, which can lead to earlier fruiting. It also prevents weed growth and conserves moisture. However, it must be properly anchored to prevent it from blowing away and should be monitored to ensure the soil does not become too hot. 

Fertilizing

Correct fertilization is key to the health and productivity of Ozark Beauty strawberries. When you plant your strawberries, start by using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer to provide the essential nutrients they need for strong growth. A balanced fertilizer typically contains equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, often denoted as N-P-K on fertilizer packages.

For a more organic approach, consider using well-rotted compost or manure, which gradually releases nutrients and improves soil structure. Always follow the recommended application rates for any fertilizer product to avoid nutrient imbalances and potential damage to your plants. 

Pruning and Training

Pruning and training your Ozark Beauty strawberries are essential practices to maximize fruit production and maintain healthy plants.

Early Flower Removal: At the start of the growing season, it’s beneficial to remove the first set of flowers that appear. This may seem counterintuitive, but it allows the plants to direct their energy towards establishing strong roots and foliage rather than producing early fruit. Later in the season, this leads to healthier plants and larger yields.

Runner Management: After the initial fruiting period, it’s important to manage the runners—long stems that spread from the main plant and develop new strawberry plants at their tips. For gardeners focused on maximizing fruit production, trimming these runners can be beneficial. By cutting back the runners, you help the plant concentrate its energy on producing more fruit rather than spreading out.

If you prefer to propagate new plants for future seasons, allow some runners to root and establish themselves. This can be done by pinning the runners to the soil with small stakes or simply letting them take root naturally. Once the new plants are well-established, They can be separated from the parent plant and relocated to new areas in your garden. 

Pest and Disease Management

Managing pests and diseases effectively is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your Ozark Beauty strawberries. Several common pests and diseases can affect strawberry plants, but with the right strategies, you can keep them under control.

Pests:

• Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can weaken your plants and spread disease. To manage aphids, use organic pest control options like insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect your plants and thoroughly spray the affected areas.
• Slugs: Slugs can seriously harm plants by consuming fruit and foliage. Installing barriers around your plants, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, will help you manage slugs. Slugs can also be deterred by putting up beer-filled slug traps or by burying boards in the garden for them to hide behind.
• Birds: Birds can be particularly troublesome, as they are attracted to the ripe berries. Protect your strawberries by draping bird netting over the plants. This physical barrier prevents birds from accessing the fruit while still allowing sunlight and rain to reach the plants.

Diseases:

• Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fungal disease thrives in damp conditions and causes fruit to rot. To prevent gray mold, ensure good air circulation by properly spacing your plants and removing any excess foliage. To maintain the foliage dry, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected berries or leaves promptly.
• Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew presents as a white, powdery covering on the leaves and can weaken the plant. To minimize the risk, guarantee correct spacing of plants that circulates good air and avoid overhead watering. For severe infections, applying sulfur-based fungicides can be effective. 

Harvesting

The key to enjoying the best flavor from your Ozark Beauty strawberries is to harvest them at the right time. Berries should be picked when they are fully red and ripe. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the berries are cool and firm.

When picking strawberries, handle them gently to avoid bruising the delicate fruit. Grasp the stem just above the berry and give it a slight twist to detach it from the plant. Regular harvesting not only ensures you get the best-tasting berries but also encourages the plant to produce more fruit. Aim to check your strawberry patch every couple of days during peak season to keep up with the ripening berries. 

Winter Care

In regions with colder climates, giving winter protection for your Ozark Beauty strawberries is essential to ensure they survive and thrive in the next growing season. As temperatures drop, apply a thick layer of straw mulch over your strawberry beds. This mulch acts as an insulator, helping to maintain a consistent soil temperature and protecting the crowns from frost damage.

Alternatively, you can use row covers for additional protection. Lightweight row covers can be placed over the plants to shield them from harsh winter conditions while still allowing some air and moisture to pass through. Secure the edges of the row covers with soil or stakes to keep them in place during windy weather.

Conclusion

Growing Ozark Beauty strawberries can be a rewarding experience with proper care and attention. By following these guidelines on location, soil preparation, planting, watering, mulching, fertilizing, pruning, pest management, harvesting, and winter care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy strawberries throughout the growing season. Happy gardening! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Ozark Beauty strawberries different from other varieties?

Ozark Beauty strawberries are everbearing, meaning they bear fruit several times during the growing season, unlike June-bearing varieties that produce once in early summer.

How much sunlight do Ozark Beauty strawberries need?

These strawberries require at least 6 hours of sunlight every day for optimal growth and fruit production.

What type of soil is best for growing Ozark Beauty strawberries?

They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and the soil should be well-draining to prevent root rot.