The common wild strawberry represents the first strawberry species cultivated in the early 17th century. Later, gardeners introduced other species. Strawberries vary greatly in size, colour, flavour, shape, season of ripening, liability to disease and constitution of plant. As early as March strawberries get planted in Elztal. In recent years mostly under foil to be helped on growing by gentle heat generated under the foil, and when the plants are large enough the foil gets removed. Straw put between the rows in spring serves to keep the ground moist and the fruit clean, as well as to afford nourishment to the plants. The plants are watered during dry weather after the fruit is set, and occasionally till it begins to colour. As soon as the fruit season is over, the runners are again removed, and the ground raked. The plantation is renewed every year.

   Strawberry