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Is it possible to trim strawberry runners during fruiting: mistakes of many gardeners
06.07.2024 03:20
The issue of trimming strawberry runners during fruiting worries many gardeners.
Some believe that this is necessary for a better harvest, others are afraid of damaging the plants and reducing the number of berries.
What actually happens to strawberries when their runners are cut off during the fruiting period, and how to properly care for these plants to get a rich harvest?
The Meaning of Strawberry Whiskers
Strawberry whiskers play an important role in the reproduction and development of the plant.
They are long shoots, at the ends of which rosettes are formed, capable of taking root and giving rise to new bushes.
However, the runners also take away a significant amount of nutrients from the mother plant, which can affect the quantity and quality of the berries.
Therefore, many gardeners wonder whether it is worth removing runners during fruiting to improve the harvest.
Whisker pruning and yield
Trimming the runners during fruiting can have a positive effect on yield.
Removing excess shoots allows more nutrients and energy to be directed towards the formation and ripening of berries.
This is especially important for young plants that are not yet fully established and do not have sufficient nutrient reserves.
Trimming the runners helps to distribute resources more evenly, which improves the quality of the berries and increases their quantity.
Experts recommend trimming the whiskers in the morning hours, when the plants have not yet warmed up from the sun.
This reduces stress on the strawberries and helps reduce moisture loss. It is also important to monitor weather conditions: pruning is best done in dry weather to reduce the risk of plant diseases.
Impact on plant health
Removing runners during fruiting does not harm the plant if done correctly. It is important to use sharp and clean tools to avoid damaging plant tissue and introducing infection.
Regular pruning also helps improve ventilation around the bushes, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
In addition, removing the runners allows the plant to focus on fruiting rather than reproduction, which contributes to a more abundant and high-quality harvest.
Methods of trimming mustaches
There are several methods of trimming your moustache, each with its own advantages. One of the most popular methods is trimming your moustache immediately after it appears.
This allows all the plant's energy to be immediately directed towards the formation of berries.
Another method is to trim the runners to a certain length, which allows you to leave some shoots for further propagation without reducing the yield.
In any case, it is important to monitor the condition of the plant and avoid excessive pruning, so as not to weaken the bush.
Caring for strawberries after pruning
After pruning the runners, strawberries require special care. The plants need additional watering and feeding to compensate for the loss of nutrients.
It is important to monitor soil moisture and provide sufficient water, especially during hot summer days.
Regular mulching will help retain moisture and protect the roots from overheating. It is also useful to carry out preventive treatment against pests and diseases to avoid infection of weakened plants.
Earlier we talked about whether it is possible to determine the harvest by the size of the potato tops.
