Hi ladies. This is my first year that I ever planted a garden and I have enjoyed it SO much. In addition to a lot of other fruits and veggies, I planted strawberries. It is my understanding that the strawberry plants may "come back" next year on their own. Does anyone have any experience with strawberry plants? If so, can you tell me what I need to do for them during the winter. Do I need to cover them? If so, with what, etc. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much.
Strawberries come back year after year. But they only produce good berries for about three years. Then you will need to replant. Give them a little fertilizer in early spring. You don't need to cover them over the winter. Water them well in the sping. AF
Good morning! We have had a strawberry garden for years. They are really low maintenance. Some years we cut them back, other years we leave them alone. We do kind of cover them with a thin layer of mulch for the winter. I think they would be fine if you don't get a chance to do this, especially if we don't have a really cold winter. Like I said, very low maintenance and easy. Every year they produce more than the previous year so.....ENJOY!!
hello! I am a fellow gardener who has been growing strawberries and more for years. I let the leaves in my yard provide winter protection. It's a thick layer and it helps control weeds, and helps the soil for the following season. In very early spring, before anything starts to grow, I just use a leaf blower to clear the area and put the leaves in the compost. This has worked well for me and it requires little to no effort on my part. Just make sure to remove the leaves early enough so they don't smother the plants. Although mine always do fine. I have an abundance of strawberries every year. I have also just left them alone and they do fine. Good Luck!
Although we should probably cover ours with organic mulch or pine straw, ours come back every year.
As well as protecting your strawberries from killing frosts, a 3 to 4-inch layer of hay or straw helps equalize temperatures to protect them from thawing and refreezing after an early spring or mid-winter warm spell. Don't mulch with fallen leaves since they tend to compact and smother new growth. Although many cultivars are hardy to 15F (-10C), your winter mulch layer should be applied before the temperature dips to 20F (-6C) to protect new growth from killing frosts.
Strawberries are very susceptible to spring frosts. Although winter coverings of straw or mulch should be removed in early spring, rake them to the aisles to re-cover the blossoms in case frost is in the forecast. Old blankets or sheets can also be used for protection against frost.
Although strawberries are sun-lovers, their roots need cool, moist soil. Mulch is the best way to achieve this compromise and it also helps keep runners in check and weeds under control. Nevertheless, do not use the straw that covered your strawberries over the winter. Instead, when danger of frost is past, either remove it or work it into the soil. Apply fresh mulch, keeping about one inch from the crowns to prevent damping off.
