Tips from experienced gardeners on growing strawberries in spring

However, in some cases, gardeners face significant challenges when growing this berry. This is because strawberry bushes have a long list of requirements that, if met, will produce large and strong plants. It's worth knowing. How to care for strawberries in springAccording to the advice of experienced gardeners, this plant can be looked after in more detail.

How to choose the right landing site?

Before purchasing strawberry plants, it's recommended to select a good site for planting, one where they will thrive. It's crucial that the site has non-acidic soil; even better, it should be completely neutral in pH. The site itself should also receive adequate light; it's recommended to plant the plants in full sun, avoiding shade.

It's crucial that the plot isn't located in a swampy area. If the shrubs are frequently flooded, their roots will quickly rot, leading to the death of the plant, and a harvest can be lost. Shrubs are planted in the ground in the spring, but this can also be done in the fall. Keep in mind that planting in the fall is only possible if the gardener lives in the southern region, where winters are not too cold or harsh.

Experts recommend spring care for strawberries, following the advice of experienced gardeners. However, to make the bushes more disease-resistant, it's important not only to provide care but also to plant the seedlings correctly. For planting, it's crucial to choose the right weather; gardeners recommend planting seedlings only on rainy days. If rain isn't expected, you can plant the seedlings in the ground in the evening after sunset. There are several methods for propagating the bushes: one involves planting seeds, the other allows you to plant seedlings, and the third propagates the bushes using runners. You should also know: When and how to sow strawberry seeds for seedlings.

How to properly plant seedlings and provide initial care

Before planting the small seedlings, add a small amount of ammonium nitrate to the soil. This substance is mixed with herbicides in the correct proportions to obtain two hundred grams per square meter. Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it thoroughly and then adding a small amount of sand, about a couple of centimeters deep. It is recommended to care for strawberries in the spring; experienced gardeners recommend that sand protects the bushes from snails and slugs. It is also important to infect the seedlings and rinse the roots. To do this, first rinse the roots very carefully under running water and then soak them in a special solution made from two buckets of water, six tablespoons of regular salt, and a couple of tablespoons of copper sulfate.

Before planting, inspect the seedlings. If each one hasn't yet developed its third leaf, they're not suitable for planting in the ground and will need time to grow. Leave empty spaces between each row, ranging from half a meter to a meter, and leave a distance of 30 centimeters between each planted strawberry bush. This will allow the plants to develop well and will also provide space for propagation in subsequent years.

Post-planting care

Strawberries require care in the spring, following the advice of experienced gardeners, and after planting, especially watering. Immediately after planting the seedlings in the ground, the beds are watered until the soil is sufficiently moist, but not soggy, as this is harmful to the seedlings. Gardeners will then need to monitor the weather and, on hot days, begin watering three times a day with a shallow watering can. On cloudy days without rain, a single watering in the evening is sufficient.

In the first days of life, plants don't need direct sunlight, as this can destroy them, so during peak heat, strawberry bushes should be protected from the sun. If buds begin to appear on a small plant, they should be carefully nurtured, as early flowering will be detrimental to the plant, especially if berries appear on the seedlings, as they will sap the strength of weak plants. It's also important to properly nurture caring for strawberries after harvesting.

Strawberry bushes also need to be replanted in a timely manner, as they shouldn't grow in the same spot for four years. During this period, diseases and fungi can develop in the soil, which can damage the strawberry's root system. If you notice many dead strawberry bushes in your garden, it's time to replant the berries.

Care and fertilization for strawberry bushes

Strawberry bushes require care in the spring. Experienced gardeners recommend a thorough inspection of the plants during this period. If any leaves are found that have turned yellow, dried out, or rotted, they must be trimmed. Each bush is sifted, removing excess shoots and plants, and the soil is then thoroughly loosened.

If the spring weather is too dry and warm, it's worth watering the plants periodically; this will help strengthen them and provide moisture. If the spring is too rainy, gardeners are advised to cover the strawberry bushes with plastic film. This will help eliminate waterlogging in the beds, as excess moisture often leads to root rot. After each rain, a hard crust will form on the soil, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots. This crust is removed after the soil dries by loosening the soil.

How to make bushes younger and prolong their fertility?

Gardeners know that the ugly strawberry bushes betray their sap with their red leaves, but if you prune these leaves promptly, you can extend the bush's fruiting season for one or even two years. Once the harvest is complete, gardeners are advised to wait about three weeks and then mow down all remaining leaves. You should also care for strawberries in the spring, following the advice of experienced gardeners (weevils), if no fertilizer was applied to the soil in the fall.

We recommend: Spring treatment of strawberries against diseases and pests

Once the harvest is complete, which usually happens by mid-July or early August, all unwanted strawberry bushes can be removed. Strawberry runners are also trimmed, and dead bushes and leaves are removed. The plants can be rejuvenated by cutting the bush back to a rosette; this will allow the plant to grow again in the new season.

Caring for strawberry bushes isn't all that difficult. Just know the basic rules, and you'll be able to reap an excellent harvest of berries every year. And the bushes themselves will be healthy and strong.