Strawberry Field Day Offers Look at Local Strawberry Production [Audio]

Wednesday on Lubbock's First News, Russ Wallace, Director of the Strawberry Project, gave details on how to take a look at local strawberry growth methods.

The High Tunnel Strawberry Field Day will offer a public tour of the high tunnel strawberry fields. Wallace will talk about general strawberry production and care, some problems that one might encounter, and integrated pest management among other issues. The event will take place Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Registration is $10 per person. One can also preregister by calling Dena at (806) 746-6101. The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center is located at 1102 East Farm-to-Market Road 1294.

Wallace discussed the differences between high and low tunnel structures used to foster strawberry plant growth. He said the high tunnels are about 30 X 96 feet that allow for greater ventilation, reducing heat and offering easier access for plant care. Small tunnels can be built in one's backyard using electrical conduits. He noted the reason strawberries are difficult to grow in this area is because of the wind and a general practice of selling strawberry plants during the Spring. He said, "That's actually the wrong time to sell stawberries. The best time is in the Fall... because they need that time to develop over winter."

For more information, Wallace can be contacted at (806) 746-6101 or at rwwallace@ag.tamu.edu. More on strawberries can be found on the Texas Strawberry Project Facebook.

Listen to the full interview: