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Do you have a garden and want to grow strawberries? This article is for you! Find out when and how to apply strawberry fertilizer and what is the best fertilizer for an optimal crop.
With these practical tips, you’ll get tasty, juicy fruit while taking care of your soil. So, ready to learn how to grow strawberries?
The benefits of strawberry fertilizer
The use of a strawberry fertilizer is very beneficial for the growth and development of strawberry plants. It contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
These elements are necessary for good plant health and allow them to produce tastier, more flavorful fruit. In addition, strawberry fertilizer allows plants to better resist disease, drought and extreme weather conditions.
In addition, the use of a strawberry fertilizer improves soil texture, which allows roots to better absorb nutrients. It can also reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate the plants because the nutrients are better absorbed by the roots.
Best time to apply strawberry fertilizer
Strawberry fertilizer is very important to maintain the health and vigor of strawberry plants. It is therefore important to fertilize at regular intervals. The best time to fertilize a strawberry plant is in the spring, before and during flowering, and before and during fruit formation.
In summer, when the fruit ripens and the leaves lose their color, it is time to reapply fertilizer.
An additional application can also be made in the fall, about 4 weeks before the plant begins to go dormant.
In winter, when the ground is frozen, application of a strawberry fertilizer can be postponed until spring. However, beware that the cold winter weather can greatly reduce the amount of nutrients available to the plants. It is therefore important to prepare the soil well before applying fertilizer.
What type of fertilizer to choose for a strawberry plant
Strawberry plants require specific care and proper nutrition to produce juicy, flavorful fruit. This means choosing the right fertilizer and distributing it correctly. To get the best possible yield, one must consider the type of fertilizer to be used and when it should be applied. There are different types of fertilizers for strawberry plants, such as:
- Mineral fertilizer, mainly composed of mineral salts such as potassium nitrate and nitrogen.
- Organic fertilizer, obtained from natural organic matter such as manure.
- Liquid fertilizer, convenient and easy to apply, but does not provide complete nutrition.
The type of fertilizer you use depends on the type of strawberries you are growing. Mineral fertilizers are an excellent choice for short-lived strawberry varieties because they provide quick and complete nutrition.
Organic fertilizers are more appropriate for long-lived varieties, as they provide a slower, more durable feed. Liquid fertilizers offer an excellent compromise between mineral and organic fertilizers.
How to apply strawberry fertilizer
The application of the strawberry fertilizer is an important step to obtain a good production and a good taste of the fruits. It is advisable to do it at the end of winter when the soil is still wet to help it penetrate the soil.
A good method is to apply the fertilizer around the plants and not directly on the roots. Then, the product must be well deposited on the entire surface of the soil and mixed with the potting soil.
It is necessary to water the soil regularly to check that the fertilizer is well integrated and well distributed. It is recommended to use a watering can during this operation in order to be precise and obtain the best results.
Once the fertilizer is well mixed into the soil, mow around the plants to remove weeds and promote better penetration of the product.
Applying strawberry fertilizer regularly is essential to ensure that your strawberry plant gets the best fertilizer. The frequency and quantity depend on the variety, weather conditions and age of the plant.
Manure and compost-based fertilizers are very beneficial for enriching the soil with well-balanced nutrients. Once you find the right fertilizer for your needs, you will see a significant difference in the growth and quality of your strawberry plant.
