In the fall, when the harvest has long been harvested and the strawberry leaves have withered and died, it is time to take care of the next season. The most dangerous period for a crop is not a frosty winter with snow cover, but snowless frosts in early winter or late autumn. It is at this time that the surface roots of the plant may suffer. There is a simple and effective method of protection, proven over the years.
The secret of reliable shelter lies in ordinary straw. But not fresh, but last year’s, slightly rotten. This material creates an ideal air layer that prevents the ground from freezing, but does not interfere with air exchange. Unlike sawdust or leaves, straw does not cake or rot.
After the first autumn frosts, when the soil freezes slightly, the beds with strawberries are covered with a layer of straw 10-15 cm thick. It is important to pre-cut old leaves and remove plant debris. The straw is distributed evenly, completely covering the ground around the bushes, but without covering the rosettes themselves.
Straw works on the principle of a thermos: air cavities are formed between the stems, which maintain soil temperature. Even at -20°C, under such shelter the ground does not freeze deeper than 2-3 cm. The strawberry root system is completely preserved, and in the spring the plants quickly begin to grow.
When is the best time to cover strawberries?
After the establishment of stable negative temperatures (-5…-7°C) – usually at the end of October or beginning of November.
Can I use fresh straw?
Undesirable – it often contains weed seeds and can overwinter pests.
Do I need to water strawberries before covering?
Yes, watering is carried out 2-3 days before sheltering – this helps the roots to better endure the winter.
When to open strawberries in spring?
When the snow melts and a stable positive temperature sets in – usually in mid-April.
