How to fertilise strawberries in spring to make your neighbours jealous

Strawberries are the queen of the bed, but over the years they deplete the soil they grow in. To get juicy, sweet and plentiful berries, you need to give the bushes time to build up their strength. How to fertilise strawberries?

How to prepare a strawberry bed properly

For maximum effect, the strawberry bed needs to be freed from winter ballast. Old leaves, whiskers and mulch residue create a dense layer that blocks fertiliser – it simply runs off the top and does not penetrate to the roots.

What to do before fertilising:

• Cut back dry leaves. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also harbour pests and diseases.
• Remove moustaches. Young rosettes take nutrients away from the main bush and greatly increase the density of plantings.
• Remove old mulch. Sawdust, straw and hay decompose over the winter and no longer protect the ground, but only hinder it.
• Purlinate the rows. This will allow the roots to breathe better and absorb moisture and nutrients.

Now the bed is ready for the spring leap. And the strawberries are already waiting for their nutritious cocktail!

What to feed strawberries in spring

Spring strawberries need special care – their short roots do not reach fertiliser from depth, so it is important to feed them in time and properly. It is particularly critical not to overdo it: excess nitrogen will make the berries sour or cause rotting.

Most popular mineral options:

• Ammonium nitrate: 1 tablespoon per 10 litres of water, at a rate of – 0.5 litres per bush.
• Urea: 1 tbsp per 10 litres of water, at a rate of – 0.3 litres per bush.

Alternatives:

• Chicken manure dressing: 1/2 bucket per 5 litres of water, stored for a week, diluted 1:25, 0.5 litres per bush.
• Cow dung dressing: 1/2 bucket per 5 litres of water, stored for one week, diluted 1:10, 0,5 litre per bush.
• Complex fertilisation: 2 glasses of cattle manure dressing (already diluted 1:10) + 1 tbsp ammonium sulphate in 10 litres of water.

Drill when the soil is slightly dry but still moist after snowmelt. And don't wait for the leaves to appear – the shrubs need to get nutrients before active growth starts.

How to use ash to fertilise strawberries

If you want to go chemical-free or simply enhance the effect of mineral fertilisers – use wood ash. It is not only a natural source of potassium and phosphorus, but also an excellent remedy against fungi and pests.

How to use ash in spring:

• Spread a handful under each strawberry bush.
• After fertilisation, be sure to water to allow the trace elements to penetrate into the soil.
• Can be combined with organic or mineral fertiliser.
• Should not be mixed with acid fertilisers – they will neutralise each other.
• Do not apply on still wet or frozen ground – the effect will be minimal.

Aspreads – are an almost free but very effective component of spring maintenance. And strawberries are sure to reward you with a bumper crop!