Proper care of sensitive strawberries requires sensitivity. This applies not least to the appropriate supply of nutrients. Find out here when to fertilize and which fertilizer is particularly recommended.

Organic fertilizers for healthy strawberry enjoyment

Healthy fruit and vegetables from the hobby garden primarily result from the conscious use of compost for the nutrient supply. The eternal material cycle of nature is used sensibly for the production of purely organic fertilizer. Where there is no possibility of creating a compost heap, these alternatives can be considered:

  • stable dung
  • horse manure
  • guano
  • plant manure

Mineral berry fertilizer (€3.94) scores points compared to purely organic preparations with a quick effect; however, the uncertainty remains as to which ingredients end up in the strawberries.

Perfect start with the right fertilizer

Experience in growing strawberries has shown that the plants do not grow or only grow with difficulty in freshly tilled soil. As a result, the initial fertilization is applied one to two months before the planting date. This process has proven itself:

  • dig the ground two spades deep
  • Sieve out stones, roots and weeds
  • mix the excavation with compost, horn shavings (32.93€) or other organic fertilizer
  • Alternatively, work a mineral berry fertilizer into the soil at 60-80 grams per square meter

This approach also applies to the initial fertilization in the bucket or flower box. The potting soil enriched with compost from specialist shops should have at least 14 days to settle. Then plant the young strawberries without working on the substrate.

Fertilize annual strawberries in a balanced way

Although the hardy strawberry plants are suitable for perennial culture, many hobby gardeners opt for annual cultivation. Irrespective of when the start of fertilization took place, this chronology applies to further nutrient supply:

  • Before flowering, fertilize with 5 liters of compost or 60-80 grams of berry fertilizer per square meter
  • If necessary, fertilize again in halved dosage in poor soil before the fruit ripens

In order to avoid over-fertilization with all the negative consequences, experienced hobby gardeners should refrain from fertilizing before the fruit ripens. This is especially true with regard to the use of concentrated, mineral berry fertilizer. A professional soil analysis provides information about the actual nutrient requirements.

When are perennial strawberry plants fertilized?

The optimal date for the main fertilizing of perennial varieties of strawberries is immediately after the fall harvest. Ideally, give 5 liters of sieved compost or an alternative organic fertilizer per square meter of bed area. The soil organisms have enough time until next spring to prepare the nutrients for the strawberry plants to absorb. If you prefer mineral berry fertilizer, the same dosage applies as at the start.

In the following season, the nutrient supply follows the same schedule as for the annual strawberry varieties.

Climbing strawberries and other varieties that overwinter in pots receive additional nutrients throughout the season. In this case, give liquid compost, worm tea or a suitable liquid fertilizer for berries every 2 weeks. It is important to note that you do not pour this fertilizer onto a dried-out substrate.

tips and tricks

Did you miss all the classic planting dates? Then you don't have to go without strawberries from your own garden. You can plant innovative frigo plants from the cold store from March to September. After exactly nine weeks, you will harvest the first juicy, sweet strawberries.

Category:

Vegetable garden