Annual Strawberry Sale Through Overton Ag Extension Office

The Overton County Agriculture Extension Office is holding its annual strawberry sale.

Residents can pick between 25 to 100 plants for their garden this April. Extension Agent Jason Garrett said there are two varieties, that are both perfect for beginners.

“The All Star is a larger berry, now this is one that we recommend if individuals are interested in making pies, jams, anything in the food processing part,” Garrett said. “The Earlieglow is one for people that just like to pick a berry to eat, it’s smaller.”

While Garrett said these strawberries are great for beginners, there is work to do in making the perfect strawberry garden. He said getting a soil test done before planting is the most important step.

“It will have a fertilizer and lime recommendation on this,” Garrett said. “If you have very poor soil it’s going to tell you exactly what to do to get that soil back. Get that pH level where it needs to be and also, the fertilizer recommendations that soil needs and it’s going to give you fertilizer recommendations for what to do on through the growing season.”

Garrett said strawberries should be spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart. He said mulching with straw will help with both water retention and stopping weed growth.

“Keep it watered, don’t over water, make your beds raised,” Garrett said. “Never plant them flat, make some type of little mound that’s going to help with the drainage. Select a good, well drained area.”

Prices start at $15 for 25 plants, that goes up to $30 for 100 plants. Residents can either call the extenstion office or stop by the Joe L. Evins Community Center to place an order.

Garrett said residents will get a call when their plants are ready for pickup and payment.