My father liked the idea of being self-sufficient. Thus, almost every spring, as the last remnants of the winter snows found their way into the soil, his mind would be drawn to plans for the summer garden.

His enthusiasm for these plantings was probably influenced in part by the victory gardens that Americans were encouraged to set down during both World Wars. These vegetable patches were intended to reduce the demand for store-bought food during those eras and to give folks on the home-front the feeling that they were doing something to help in the fight. Well, Dad liked the idea. Thus, during any given growing season, the bounty from our family plot might have included green beans, cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, pumpkins, watermelons–and strawberries.

And, yes, that brings us to strawberries.

Continue “The Story of the Reluctant Strawberry Farmer”