How to Fertilize Strawberries Before Winter: Secrets of a Rich Harvest in the New Season

Preparing strawberry beds in the fall is key to getting a bountiful harvest of sweet berries next year.

Correctly selected fertilizers help plants accumulate strength for wintering and lay the foundation for future fruiting.

An expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh told which fertilizers are most effective during this important period.

The Importance of Autumn Fertilization

Fertilizing in the fall is considered an important stage of strawberry care. At this time, the plants prepare for the winter period, accumulating nutrients in the root system and laying buds for the future harvest.

Proper feeding helps strawberries better withstand the cold and produce a bountiful harvest next season.

Organic fertilizers

Compost is an ideal organic fertilizer for strawberries. It enriches the soil with nutrients and improves its structure.

To add compost, spread it evenly over the surface of the bed in a 2–3 cm layer, without covering the cores of the plants.

Humus is also an effective organic fertilizer. It is applied at a rate of 4-5 kg per square meter. Humus not only nourishes plants, but also promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Manure is an excellent source of nitrogen and other elements. However, it must be used with caution so as not to burn the roots.

Before application, manure should be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and the soil around the plants should be watered with this solution.

Mineral fertilizers

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are considered the most important for autumn feeding of strawberries.

They promote the development of the root system and make plants more resistant to low temperatures. Superphosphate and potassium sulfate can be applied dry, evenly scattered over the soil surface at a rate of 20–30 g per square meter.

Complex mineral fertilizers, specially developed for autumn feeding of berry crops, are also suitable for strawberries. They contain a balanced set of nutrients necessary for plants during this period. When using them, it is important to strictly follow the instructions on the package.

Ash is considered an excellent source of potassium and microelements. It can be added in dry form, evenly distributed over the surface of the bed at the rate of 100-150 g per square meter.

Timing and methods of applying fertilizers

The optimal time for autumn fertilizing of strawberries is considered to be the period after the last harvest and before the onset of stable frosts. Usually, fertilizing is carried out in September or early October, depending on the climatic conditions of the region.

Dry fertilizers are evenly distributed over the soil surface, trying not to cover the leaves and stems of plants. After applying fertilizers, it is recommended to mulch the beds with a layer of organic material, such as straw or fallen leaves.

Liquid fertilizers are applied by watering under the root. To do this, the fertilizers are diluted in water according to the instructions and the plants are watered at the rate of 1-2 liters of solution per bush.

Features of feeding different varieties

Everbearing strawberry varieties require more intensive feeding, as they continue to bear fruit until late autumn. For them, it is recommended to increase the dose of potassium fertilizers, which help the plants better prepare for winter.

Young strawberry plantings of the first year require more moderate fertilizing. Light mulching with compost or humus without adding additional mineral fertilizers is sufficient for them.

Old plantations, more than three years old, require intensive feeding to maintain fruiting. For them, a comprehensive approach is recommended, using both organic and mineral fertilizers.