Strawberry plants are exposed to a variety of threats. The worst culture killers are cold, dirt, diseases and pests. We have put together the best protective measures for you in the garden and on the balcony.
How can I protect my strawberries from cold, dirt and pests?
To effectively protect strawberries, cover them with mulch to ward off cold and pollution. Protect them from pests such as snails and aphids with moving barriers, snail fences and garden fleece. Mixed culture with basil, thyme, marigolds and lettuce also helps in protection.
The best protection against cold and dirt
As perennial plants, strawberry plants stay in the bed for two to three years. During this time, ground frost and pollution can jeopardize the desired harvest yield. A thick layer of mulch provides effective protection. If you're a nature-loving hobby gardener who can't get used to sterile mulching film, you can choose a natural alternative.
- After planting, spread a layer of straw and hay
- optionally use sawdust made from untreated wood
- expanded clay in the planter prevents the strawberries from coming into unwanted contact with the ground
- cover the bed and flower box with foil (€13.00 on Amazon) or fleece until after the cold at night
- alternatively, care for the strawberries under a mobile polytunnel until mid-June
Every spring, the previous year's mulch is worked into the soil before the fresh material is distributed. This measure keeps leaves, flowers and fruits clean so that fungal infections cannot spread.
Effectively protect strawberries from pests
Strawberry plants are targeted by numerous pests. So they are at the top of the menu for the voracious snails. Aphids also target strawberries. You can make life difficult for the parasites by taking the following precautions:
- surround the bed with moving barriers made of sharp materials, such as chippings or sawdust
- build a snail fence or protect individual plants with snail collars
- Coffee grounds and coffee grounds have a toxic effect on snails
- collect the cold-hardened pests in the early morning hours
- a close-meshed garden fleece protects strawberry plants from aphids
To protect yourself from the voracious black-mouthed weevils, set up self-made traps. Fill used flower pots with wood shavings and place them upside down in the strawberry bed. The nocturnal beetles crawl in in the morning and can be removed along with the filling.
Tips & Tricks
You can provide strawberries with a natural bodyguard in the form of protective neighboring plants. The mixed culture with basil and thyme keeps fungal infections away. Tagetes and marigolds repel voracious slugs and lettuce deters wireworms.
