Why You Shouldn't Mow Strawberry Leaves: A Mistake That Could Cost You Your Harvest
Garden strawberries, large-fruited varieties of which are often called strawberries, are one of the most beloved and popular berry crops in gardens.
It is relatively easy to grow and can produce a crop the following year after planting, and sometimes even in the year of planting.
But on the other hand, strawberries have many pests and diseases that make life difficult for a summer resident. This gives rise to a large number of controversial points regarding care. Many of them are not fully understood by amateurs. For example, such an agricultural technique as mowing foliage.
Why Leaf Removal and Failure to Crop Are Related
First, you should understand why you should remove strawberry leaves at all. The method was originally used to remove diseased and pest-infested leaves. This is an effective preventive measure that is often used on berry plantations.
But the technique eventually migrated to private farms. And many do not understand its purpose. A person simply heard or read that in the summer all the leaves of strawberries need to be mown down so that they grow better. And as a result, the summer resident loses the harvest. Why?
First: only diseased leaves need to be removed.
If there are many sick and pest-infested plants in the garden, mowing is a good alternative to using pesticides. There is no need to get rid of healthy leaves.
Second: mowing should be done immediately after harvesting.
Having heard about the miracle method, people often do not delve into the details and mow closer to autumn. But the fact is that in the second half of July and in August, garden strawberries begin to lay fruit buds for the next year. At this time, the bushes accumulate nutrients.
How well the strawberries “eat” during this period determines their yield next year.
If you remove the leaf apparatus at this time, the plant will experience stress, will not be able to process and accumulate nutrients, and will throw all its energy into growing new leaves. The bush simply will not have enough strength for fruit buds. The result: low yield in the future.
In remontant varieties, leaves should not be removed at all.
Conclusions:
1. Leaves should be mowed only as a preventative measure.
2. Mowing should be carried out immediately after harvesting, but no later than July 10.
To keep the foliage healthy and get rid of pests, you can use biological preparations. They are safe and will help maintain the bed in good condition. It is also necessary to change the planting site every 2-3 years, since the peak of fruiting occurs in the 2nd and 3rd year of the bush's life.
