The Garden Queen Strawberry: Secrets to a Sweet and Large Harvest

Strawberries are one of the most desired berries in every garden. However, to get sweet and large fruits instead of small sour ones, you need to know a few important care rules, from choosing the site to the harvest moment.

Mulching: Why is it necessary

The name of the strawberry in many languages is related to straw, and for good reason. Mulching is a mandatory step for healthy berries:

• Clean harvest: A layer of straw, pine needles, or landscape fabric under the bushes prevents the berries from contacting the ground. This protects them from gray rot and keeps them clean even after heavy rain.
• Weed control: A thick layer of mulch prevents weeds from germinating, which would otherwise take moisture and nutrients away from the strawberries.

Fertilizing and watering during flowering

When strawberries begin to bloom, their nutrient requirements increase sharply. During this period, it is vital to prevent the soil from drying out:

• Watering at the root: Try not to get water on the leaves and flowers to avoid provoking fungal diseases. Drip irrigation works best.
• Organic fertilization: Ash infusion or a weak organic fertilizer solution will provide the plant with potassium, which is responsible for the sugar content and size of the berries.

Compatibility and natural protection

Strawberries often fall victim to weevils or slugs. Instead of using harsh chemicals, use our AgroPlanner's smart companion tips. Plant garlic or onions next to your strawberries. Their phytoncides naturally repel pests and protect the bushes from many diseases.

Pay attention to the age of your bushes. Renew your plantation every 3-4 years, as yields drop over time and the risk of disease buildup in the soil increases.