At the end of February, when there is still snow and the soil is just beginning to wake up, it’s time to take care of strawberries. Many people think that care will begin only with the arrival of warmth, but right now the foundation of the future harvest is being laid. If you skip this moment, the berries may be small, sour, or not set at all.
The main thing is not to rush into cleaning the shelter. If you remove it too early, the roots may freeze during return frosts. But if you tighten it, mold will begin to develop under the film or lutrasil, and the sockets will rot from excess moisture.
What to do:
Inspect the beds
Carefully lift the edge of the shelter and check the condition of the plants. If the leaves are green and elastic, everything is in order. If there are signs of rot or gray mold, ventilate the bed on a dry day.
Gradually remove cover
If a stable above-zero temperature has established during the day (+3…+5°C) and there is no forecast of severe frosts, begin to remove the shelter in parts: first from the edges, then completely. Do this during a cloudy or evening hour so that the harsh sunlight does not burn the tender leaves.
Remove old foliage
Cut off last year's leaves with pruning shears, leaving a “heart” rosette. This will prevent the spread of diseases and provide space for new shoots. Do not pull out the leaves – you may damage the growing point.
Loosening and mulching
Gently loosen the soil between the bushes (2-3 cm deeper) to improve air access to the roots. Then mulch with straw, pine needles or rotted sawdust. This will protect against drying out and weeds, and also prevent contamination of the berries during rain.
First feeding
As soon as the soil warms up a little, apply the first fertilizing: dissolve 1 tbsp. a spoonful of urea in 10 liters of water and pour it under the root (0.5 liters per bush). Nitrogen during this period helps to increase green mass and the formation of flower buds.
Do not use fresh manure or concentrated fertilizers as they will burn the roots. It is better to choose soft, water-soluble forms.
Within a week after these simple steps, you will notice how young leaves appear from the center of the rosettes. And by May, the strawberries will be ready to bloom and your harvest will be one of the first.
