Summer is just around the corner, and to enjoy the tempting taste and freshness of your strawberry harvest, you need to know the right fertilizer to use. Let’s explore how to grow big strawberries!
What Fertilizer to Use for Big Strawberries?
Strawberry plants delight outdoor gardeners from May to July. In the fall, these plants form flower buds that eventually turn into strawberries. After the harvest, it’s essential to fertilize the plants. Everbearing strawberries produce delicious and sweet fruit for several months, requiring a regular supply of nutrients.
While strawberries are generally self-sufficient and undemanding, achieving a good harvest takes effort and knowledge. To promote flowering and fruit ripening, strawberries need a fertilizer with a high potassium content. Nitrogen is vital for healthy leaf development, while phosphorus is necessary for root growth. Most recommended fertilizers for strawberries are potassium-based.
The best option is to use a long-lasting fertilizer derived from sheep’s wool. This fertilizer is applied once at the beginning of fruiting, releasing nutrients throughout the season for up to 5 months.
How to Get Big Strawberries?
As mentioned, nitrogen is crucial for strawberries. Fertilizers containing nitrogen give the plants enough energy to produce healthy foliage. During the active growth phase, treat the beds with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of urea per 8 liters of water. Before and during flowering, strawberries are particularly vulnerable to diseases and pests, so they need organic preparations to boost their immunity.
Garden experts recommend using a fertilizer to stimulate ovary formation. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of nitrofoska in about 9 liters of water and water regularly for best results.
Why Are My Strawberries Too Small?
If your strawberries are not growing well, several factors could be at play. Good sun exposure is essential for fruit development; however, overly large leaves can indicate excess nitrogen. Strawberry plants are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to issues like stagnant moisture and poor ventilation.
To remedy this, remove affected parts of the plant, including leaves, fruits, and flowers. Use pine needle mulch and a light substrate of sand or compost. If your strawberries taste weak or sour, it may be due to poor soil quality. In such cases, feed them with liquid compost or manure. Remember, excess water can also diminish flavor, so water at regular intervals for optimal growth!
