We found the strawberries decimated after the winter. They needed care

The winter was quite long, and so it is not surprising that we found the strawberry trees quite exhausted in spring. After all, it happens every year. Strawberries need to be looked after, otherwise you simply won’t get a good harvest. We will show you pictures of our strawberry plants after the winter and of course point out the tasks we have been doing. Of course, we will also inform you about the harvest. So let’s take a closer look at what we had to do to get the strawberries off to the right start after the winter and on the road to a great harvest.

In starts with removing the dry leaves

Any damaged parts of the strawberry plants need to go, and immediately. This could be blackened leaves, completely brown leaves, or old mulch still in the strawberry patch. Indeed, it can be a troublesome source of mould, disease and other nuisances. Ordinary secateurs are sufficient for the damaged parts of the strawberry plants, and we can also get the remains out of the bed with our gloved hands.

Strawberries before care: Photo Radek Stepan

Strawberries after care: Photo Radek Stepan

Watch out for the heart

The centre of the plant should not be tampered with. The heart of the strawberry plant must be handled very carefully to avoid damaging it. The plant would then wither

Strawberry plants deserve loose soil

After winter, we can be sure that the soil is bare. This year this is not the case. Of course, it is also hard and very difficult to let water through, which is important for strawberry plants. For this reason, we lightly loosen it. We only have to be careful of the roots of the strawberry plants themselves. They are usually just below the surface. By loosening the soil, the roots start to breathe perfectly and the plant will thrive better.

Tip: Strawberries like onions. Planting them amongst strawberry plants is recommended.

Strawberry plants will also benefit from proper fertilization.

It’s true. Strawberry trees need plenty of nutrients, so it’s not a bad idea to give them. Ordinary mature compost will do the trick. Otherwise, strawberry fertiliser is also sold directly for strawberries. Spread it around the strawberry plants and water lightly. The rule of thumb is to be careful with nitrogen fertiliser. These will reduce the yield.

Care about strawberries after winter: Photo Radek Stepan

Mulch as a prevention of mould and disease

Strawberries need to be protected from powdery mildew, grey mould and rot. We can do this with mulch. This will keep the bed as clean as possible. As a mulch it is suitable:

• Straw,
• wood chips,
• dried grass.

You can also choose non-woven fabric, but it will make the bed very thin. We have no good experience with it.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about caring for strawberries after winter

How to recognize a damaged plant?

Such strawberry plants are brown and have a withered heart.

When should I go into the strawberries?

When it is warm enough, the soil should not be muddy.

What is the best fertilizer?

Definitely compost.

Sources of info: Author, Meta

Strawberries after winter: Preview photo and photogallery Radek Stepan