May is the most important month for strawberries: the future of the harvest is being decided right now. Experienced gardener Veronika Polivkina told us what needs to be done with bushes in May and what mistakes it is important to avoid.
1. Proper watering
You need to water the berries 1-2 times a week at the root with warm, settled water. Do not water the flowers, otherwise pollination will decrease and the likelihood of rot will increase. Try to avoid sudden changes in humidity so that the flowers do not fall off.
2. Feeding with potassium
During budding, strawberries need potassium and trace elements. The formation of ovaries depends on them. Potassium also makes the berries sweet and juicy. Feed strawberries with wood ash and nettle infusion in minimal concentration.
Do not feed the plants with nitrogen, otherwise the bushes will grow powerful and will not bear fruit.
3. Mulch and supports
After the rains, the flower stalks lie on the ground, at risk of rotting. To avoid this, it is necessary to mulch the ground under the bushes. Mulch also retains moisture and protects the berries from contact with the ground. Use dry grass, straw or rotted sawdust for mulching.
If the plantings are too dense, supports will help. Weak and twisted peduncles will have to be removed.
4. Pollination
If there are no conditions for pollination, then the harvest will only disappoint you. Do not use pesticides as they kill pollinating insects. Give them access to the berries. Ventilation of the bushes is also important.
Follow these 4 simple rules, and then year after year the strawberry harvest will only please you.
