Caring for strawberries in September can be called standard, but it is at this time that the berry bush begins to prepare for winter.
It is still too early to think about covering the strawberries, but it is high time to tidy up the bushes, prune, feed, and treat for diseases and pests.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, has compiled a list of the most important things to do.
Trimming
If there is no need to propagate the variety being grown, then the runners need to be cut at a distance of 10 cm from the base of the bush itself.
By saving energy on the growth of tendrils, the bush will form more buds.
Don't forget to trim off any foliage damaged by pests and fungi. Young and healthy bushes don't need to be trimmed.
Processing
Strawberries need to be protected from powdery mildew, rot and spotting.
The most common pests that bother the berry bush are weevils, mites and slugs.
For diseases, use Fitosporin or its analogues according to the instructions, and against pests, use Karbofos, Actellic, Topaz, Bordeaux mixture (1%) against fungus or iodine solution (5 drops per 10 liters of water).
Watering
Watering continues 3-4 times a month with warm, settled water in the morning or evening.
Fertilizers
In autumn, it is recommended to apply complex fertilizers.
Organic lovers add a solution of manure (1:10), chicken manure (1:20), and wood ash (1 glass per bucket of water).
Soil
After all procedures have been completed, the soil must be loosened, and weeding and hilling must also be carried out.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
