Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Strawberry patch renovation
Ahhh, strawberry season. Farmers markets and home gardens have been producing pounds of the delicious red berries!
The typical strawberry season is two-three weeks long but the length of harvest varies from farm to farm depending on varieties planted, weather, and soil type. Mild temperatures in the 70s and 80s extend the season and allow berries to ripen at a steady pace, while excessive heat can cause berries to ripen more quickly and shorten the season.
The University of Minnesota extension says you can get more out of your strawberry patch by doing a little renovation. Strawberry farms do this each year to ensure an abundant season NEXT year. Home gardeners can too.
First weed your patch, especially any large weeds that are going to seed, then MOW it. Yes, they say mow it! Mowing is important for helping the strawberry plants grow new leaves and fruit buds for next year.
Mow or cut all of the plants, to about 1 inch above the crowns (the clump of tissue at the base of the plants). If the patch is small, use pruning shears, a string trimmer, or a handheld lopper to cut down the plants. Don’t cut off the crowns!
The caveat to mowing is if your area is in drought and you haven’t watered them. If that’s the case, then DON’T mow this year. Save it for next.
After mowing, apply a nitrogen fertilizer. Follow directions on the package for the amount. If you have rows of strawberries, which makes life easier, be sure to cultivate between them and lay down straw. 12 inches between rows is perfect. Add water! An inch a week. Read the full article
