Winterizing strawberry plants is important to protect them from cold winter air and ensure a good crop of juicy berries next year. Here are some steps to take to winterize strawberry plants:
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Renovate: After harvesting, remove any dead leaves, runners, and weeds from the strawberry bed.
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Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil around the plants to provide them with nutrients for the winter.
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Water: Water the plants with an inch of water per week until the first frost to ensure they are well-hydrated before winter.
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Mulch: Cover the plants with a loose mulch to a depth of 3 to 5 inches. Good choices for mulch include straw, clean hay, bark chips, chopped cornstalks or cobs, evergreen branches, or pine straw. Avoid using leaves or grass clippings as they tend to mat.
Its important to wait until the plants are fully dormant before applying mulch to avoid damaging them. Covering them too soon can prevent them from hardening off and increase the risk of rotting plant crowns.
If you live in a frost-prone area, you can also cover the plants with brushwood, straw, or fleece to protect them from late frosts, especially in spring. Container-grown plants can be prepared using the same methods and then placed in a basement, shed, or garage to winter over.
Remember that strawberry plants are hardy perennials and dont need any special attention over winter. However, its important to protect their roots and flowers from frost, especially in the first year after planting.
