Sensitivity is required when caring for sensitive strawberries properly. This applies not least to the adequate supply of nutrients. Find out here when to fertilize and which fertilizer is particularly recommended.
When and how should you fertilize strawberries?
Strawberries should be fertilized before flowering with 5 liters of compost or 60-80 grams of berry fertilizer per square meter. For perennial varieties, the main fertilization occurs in the fall after harvest. In planters, liquid fertilizer for berries is recommended every 2 weeks.
Organic fertilizers for he althy strawberry enjoyment
He althy fruit and vegetables from the hobby garden primarily result from the conscious use of compost for nutrient supply. Nature's eternal material cycle is used sensibly to produce purely organic fertilizer. Where there is no possibility of creating a compost heap, these alternatives can be considered:
- stable manure
- Horse dung
- Guano
- Plant cessation
Mineral berry fertilizer scores points compared to purely organic preparations with its quick effect; However, there remains uncertainty as to which ingredients end up in the strawberries.
Perfect start with the right fertilizer
Experience in growing strawberries has shown that the plants do not grow or grow with difficulty in freshly tilled soil. As a result, the starting fertilizer is applied one to two months before the planting date. This process has proven itself:
- dig the soil two spades deep
- Sifting out stones, roots and weeds
- mix the excavated material with compost, horn shavings or other organic fertilizer
- alternatively, incorporate a mineral berry fertilizer with 60-80 grams per square meter into the soil
This approach also applies to starting fertilization in the bucket or flower box. The potting soil from specialist retailers enriched with compost (€12.00 at Amazon) should have at least 14 days to settle. Then plant the young strawberries without working on the substrate.
Fertilize annual strawberries in a balanced way
Although the hardy strawberry plants are suitable for perennial cultivation, many hobby gardeners opt for annual cultivation. Regardless of when the initial fertilization took place, the following chronology applies to the further nutrient supply:
- fertilize before flowering with 5 liters of compost or 60-80 grams of berry fertilizer per square meter
- In lean soil, if necessary, fertilize again in half the dosage before the fruit ripens
In order to avoid over-fertilization with all the negative consequences, experienced hobby gardeners, if in doubt, refrain from fertilizing before the fruit ripens. This is particularly true with regard to the use of concentrated, mineral berry fertilizers. A professional soil analysis provides information about the actual nutrient requirements.
When should perennial strawberry plants be fertilized?
The optimal date for the main fertilization of perennial strawberry varieties is immediately after the harvest in autumn. Ideally, you should add 5 liters of sifted compost or an alternative organic fertilizer per square meter of bed area. The soil organisms have enough time until next spring to prepare the nutrients for absorption by the strawberry plants. If you prefer mineral berry fertilizer, the same dosage applies as at the start.
In the following season, the nutrient supply follows the same schedule as for the annual strawberry varieties.
Climbing strawberries and other varieties that overwinter in planters receive additional nutrients throughout the season. In this case, administer liquid compost, worm tea or a suitable liquid fertilizer for berries every 2 weeks. It is important to note that you do not pour this fertilizer onto dry substrate.
Tips & Tricks
Did you miss all the classic planting dates? Then you don't have to go without strawberries from your own garden. You can plant innovative frigo plants from cold storage from March to September. After exactly nine weeks you will harvest the first juicy, sweet strawberries.
