Strawberries grow best in deep, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter
in a sunny location with soil that drains well. Strawberry do best with
a PH between 5.5 and 7.5. Plant the bare-root plants in a raised bed to
reduce the risk of rotting roots.Fertilization Year of planting : About
two weeks before planting incorporate 2 lbs.of 5-10-10 for each 100
Square feet of planting bed. Six to eight weeks after the first
fertilizer application, apply one pound of 5-10-10 per 100 square feet;
Spread the fertilizer in a 6-inch band on each side of a row of plants.
Repeat this rate again in lat August. Brush or wash off fertilizer
granules that land on the foliage to avoid leaf injury.
Fruiting Year : Avoid
the use of fertilizer the spring before harvest as it may result in
large, soft berries and excessive vegetative growth. However, if plants
are a light shade of green and not growing well, an application of 1/2
lb. of 5-10-10 per 100 square feet may be beneficial. After Harvest cut
back leaves, thin plants and remove weeds. Then apply 1 to 2 lbs. of
10-10-10 per 100 square feet. It is important that plants receive at
least 1 inch of water per week following fertilization to encourage
strong healthy new growth and to avid salt injury. After harvest cut
back leaves, thin plants and remove weeds. Then apply 1 to 2 lbs. of
10-10-10 per 100 square feet. It is important that plants receive at
least 1 inch of water per week following fertilization to encourage
strong healthy new growth and to avid salt injury. In late August
fertilize with 1/2 lb. 10-10-10 per 100 square feet. do not fertilize
after August 31 st.
MulchingNecessary for winter protection of your plants. In case of
sudden cold temperatures, the crowns and roots may be damaged. Mulch
will keep the temperatures at ground level from dropping suddenly. Mulch
also conserves moisture in the Spring, delays flowering, makes for
better picking conditions and reduces rot on the berries
Planting
Step 1 : Trim the bare roots of the strawberry plants to 6 inches with sharp scissors right before planting.
Step 2: Dig a hole for the strawberry plants deep and wide enough to accommodate
the roots without crowding. Place the plant in the hole so the crown
sits just above the soil line. Remove the plant and add more soil if
necessary.
Step 3: Cover the roots with soil, leaving the crown exposed. A crown
covered with soil will rot, damaging the plant. Press down gently on
the soil to firm it.
Step 4: Space the strawberry plants at least
18 to 24 inches apart. ( At this spacing it would require about 6,225
plants per acre. ) Leave at least 2 feet between rows of strawberries.
Step
5: Water the bare-root strawberries immediately after planting. Keep
the plants moist throughout the growing season. Add a 2-inch layer of
mulch around each plant to conserve water.
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N C STATE UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY