Autumn feeding of strawberries is an investment in a bountiful harvest next season . If you take the right steps during this period, you can “pick berries by the bag” in the new year.
Why is it important to fertilize strawberries in the fall?
After summer fruiting, the plant is very exhausted, and the soil also loses a lot of nutrients. At this time, strawberries form new roots and lay flower buds, which will turn into abundant flowering in the spring.
Therefore, without autumn fertilizing, there is a risk that:
- the berries will be small and sour,
- The bushes will go into winter weakened,
- some plants may freeze,
- yield will drop significantly.
Agronomists advise using organic and mineral fertilizers in September, but special attention should be paid to wood ash .
Why ash is an ideal fertilizer for strawberries
Wood ash is a universal organic fertilizer that not only saturates the soil with nutrients, but also improves its health.
Its main advantages:
- contains potassium and phosphorus in a form available for absorption;
- enriches the soil with calcium, magnesium, boron, sulfur ;
- normalizes acidity;
- inhibits the development of pathogenic fungi;
- strengthens the immunity of plants before wintering.
Experts advise using approximately 150–300 g of ash per 1 m² of strawberry bed.
How to properly apply ash: two ways
There are two proven methods for using ash to fertilize strawberries in the fall.
1. In dry form
- scatter ash around the bushes, stepping back 10–15 cm from the rosette;
- lightly roll it into the soil with a tiller;
- Water the rows well to activate the nutrients.
2. In the form of an infusion
- Dissolve 1 cup of ash in 10 liters of warm water;
- let it steep for 2–3 days, stirring occasionally;
- Pour 0.5 liters of the prepared solution under each bush.
Both methods are effective, but agronomists advise combining them to achieve maximum results.
Agronomists’ tips for preparing strawberries for winter
- Remove old leaves and weeds so that the plant does not waste energy.
- Loosen the rows – this will improve air access to the roots.
- Water the beds before applying fertilizer if the fall was dry.
- To protect against frost, mulch the beds with straw or sawdust.
Autumn feeding of strawberries is the key to the future harvest . One simple fertilizer, such as wood ash, will help the bushes overwinter without stress and will give you generous baskets of berries in the summer.
If you “treat” your strawberries with ash in September, you will harvest your crop with pride and pleasure the following year.