strawberries Flashcards
ground prep
Dig 2 buckets of garden compost or manure for every square metre. Remove weeds.
how to plant
Traditionally grown in rows in a strawberry patch. Plant in mid spring or late summer into moist soil. Ensure the base of the crown rests lightly on the surface. Space plants 40cm apart, in rows 1m apart.
how to support
They shouldn’t need supporting.
how to initially mulch
Put straw around the plants to keep leaves and fruit off wet soil, suppress weeds and prevent slug damage.
how to initially prune
Remove first flush of flowers when planting in autumn or early spring on perpetual strawberries. With summer fruiting strawberries, only remove the flowers if the plants are weak. Leave flowers on cold stored runners.
how to irrigate
Water frequently whilst they are establishing and water during dry periods in the growing season.Avoid wetting the crown or fruit.
how to maintenance prune
how to top dress
In early spring, feed with a high potassium general fertiliser.
how to keep weeds down
Plant plants in slits made in a polythene sheeting or weed suppressing membrane. Using straw under the plants can also help with this.
pest control
Vine weevil - Apply biological control and physically remove any adults larvae that you see.
disease control
grey mould (botrytis) - Remove damaged plant parts before they become infected. Cut out infected areas. Clear up infected debris. Plant with sufficient space for airflow.
when to replace plants
Replant strawberries every 3 years at a different site to avoid disease build up.
should they be tied in
No.
period of harvest
Ripen from early summer to early autumn.
how to know if it is ripe
Pick when bright red all over during the warmest part of the day.
