"Albion" Strawberry: Harvesting Four Times a Year

The "Albion" variety is a true breakthrough. Unlike regular strawberries that finish in two weeks, this one works like a conveyor belt. "Albion" berries are large, very firm (ideal for transport), and retain a rich aroma even into the autumn months.

Soil: Where Does "Albion" Find Its Strength?

Since this strawberry fruits almost continuously, it depletes soil nutrients rapidly. The earth must be exceptionally fertile.

• Best Choice: Fertile Loamy soils (Type 1).
• Soil Check: Use the sausage test. A cracking ring (Type 1) is ideal: it holds moisture for juicy berries while allowing roots to breathe. On pure sand (Type 2), berries will be small and sour due to lack of nutrients.

Best Bed Buddies (Good)

• Garlic and Onions: Natural "bodyguards." Their phytoncides protect Albion from gray mold, a major issue for this variety during rainy spells.
• Marigolds: Planted between rows, they kill nematodes that often attack the roots.
• Spinach and Lettuce: They coexist perfectly, providing light shade for the soil to prevent the strawberry roots from overheating.

Main Enemies (Bad)

• Raspberries: Taboo #1. They share the strawberry-raspberry weevil. Raspberries will simply "pass" this pest to your strawberries.
• Cabbage: They compete for potassium and will stunt each other's growth.
• Nightshades (Potatoes, Tomatoes): Can infect strawberries with Verticillium wilt.

AgroPlanner Tip: "Albion" grows in compact bushes. In our app, each plant occupies a 1x1 grid. The system will flag a **conflict with raspberries** in red. Do not ignore this! Also, use straw or landscape fabric mulching to keep your recurring harvest from rotting on the ground.