Growing berries a challenge

On the corner of Furys Ferry and Mulliken roads, and in some other select locations, strawberry lovers can make a pit stop at a roadside market and have their pick of some of the plumpest berries around.

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For many, eating strawberries is a summertime ritual, but getting the berries to market is a difficult process.

"Strawberries are not an easy plant to grow," said Clyde Gurosik, of Gurosik's Berry Plantation.

Gurosik has grown strawberries as a part of his family's business for more than 30 years and says his earliest memory is of watching his parents as they worked their Pennsylvania strawberry farm.

But just what makes the early summertime favorite a tricky plant to produce?

Growing conditions have to be just right.

"The optimal soil for growing strawberries is high in organic matter with clay directly beneath it," Gurosik said.

This combination is ideal, because the soil does not lose moisture as it would if plants were placed in sandy soil.

"Sandy soil, which is common in our area, leaves no moisture or micronutrients," Gurosik said. "If someone decides to place plants in a sandy spot in their yard, it's a major mistake. Without the right soil, planting is just a waste of time."

The source of the plants is also very important.

"It's best to acquire the plants from a Canadian grower," Gurosik said. "The reason for this is that strawberries are prone to develop a fungal disease called Anthracnose.

"The fungus thrives during hot and humid weather. So, it's best to obtain the plants that were grown in a milder climate," he explained.

"If you don't have clean plants, you can't hope for anything," he said.

Strawberry plants are also particular about the amount of water they take in.

They don't like to be over-watered. Most plants require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

"Strawberries are just like people in that they breathe in the environment around them," Gurosik explained.

Too much water on the plant will cause it to become soft and "it might look like a strawberry, but it won't taste like one," Gurosik said.

To help ensure that they grow the best berries possible, "we follow disciplined water and nutrient management programs," Gurosik said.

Doing so maximizes sugar content, flavor and quality.

The one thing you can count on with strawberries is that "they're never the same from one season to another," he said.