Episode Series with "The Beet: A Podcast for Plant Lovers"
Growing Great Strawberries with Dr. Gerald Holmes
"Dr. Gerald Holmes, director of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, knows how to cultivate the most delicious strawberries. Everything from varieties to grow, to how to grow them, and even to dealing with pests and diseases - this is the Strawberry Center's focus. Listen as he and Kevin Espiritu discuss all of these topics and more."
"Gerald got started in the farming world through gardening with his Dad. He developed an interest in horticulture in high school, and wanted to know more about agricultural practices around the world. Through plant pathology, he made his way to the Strawberry Center, which is celebrating its 10th year this summer."
How to Improve Strawberry Flavor
"Good combinations of sweet and acidity is what makes strawberry flavor for Dr. Gerald Holmes, Director of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center. While varieties have traits that promote good flavor, proper cultivation and climate alters flavors in myriad ways."
The Origin of the Garden Strawberry
"The garden strawberry came from cultivated wild strawberries. This occurred in regions all over the world, with strawberries specific to certain areas. Through cross pollination, people develop the delicious hybrids we love today."
Try These Strawberry Varieties
"There are thouands of varieties of strawberries that have been developed for use in commercial farming. In stories, they aren't labeled, so you don't know if you're eating short day or day neutral berries. For home growers, knowing where you live is the basis of selecting the best varieties to grow."
Avoid These Strawberry Pests & Diseases
"Strawberries are supple fruits that can contract a host of diseases and pests. In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Gerald Holmes discuss the most common ones. From spider mite to Lygus bugs, and botrytis, they cover the best ways to keep these out of your strawberries."
