Strawberry plants are a delicious and rewarding addition to any garden. However, they can also be quite invasive, and if they are not properly maintained, they can quickly take over your entire garden. One of the most important things you can do to keep your strawberry plants under control is to cut them back regularly. This will help to prevent them from spreading too far, and it will also encourage them to produce more fruit.
The best time to cut back strawberry plants is in the fall, after they have finished producing fruit. However, you can also cut them back in the spring, before they start to grow new leaves. To cut back strawberry plants, simply use a sharp pair of shears to remove the old leaves and stems. Be sure to cut close to the ground, but be careful not to damage the crown of the plant. After you have cut back the plants, be sure to water them well and fertilize them. This will help them to recover quickly and produce a bountiful harvest of strawberries the following year.
In addition to cutting back strawberry plants in the fall or spring, you should also remove any runners that form during the growing season. Runners are long, slender stems that grow out from the base of the plant and produce new plants. If you allow runners to grow unchecked, they can quickly spread your strawberry plants all over your garden. To remove runners, simply pull them off by hand or cut them off with a pair of shears. Be sure to remove the entire runner, including the small plant that is growing at the end of it.
Pruning Bloomers and Trusses
After harvest, strawberry plants develop new stems called “bloomers” and attached to them are small bud-like structures called “trusses”.
These bloomers and trusses will produce strawberries the following season, so it’s important to prune them correctly to encourage healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
1. Removing Old Bloomers
Start by removing any old, faded bloomers from the previous season. These can be identified by their dark brown color and lack of leaves.
2. Cutting Back New Bloomers
Next, cut back the new bloomers to about 6 inches in length. This will encourage the plants to develop side shoots, which will produce more fruit.
3. Pinching Off Foliage
Once the bloomers are cut back, pinch off any excess foliage from the base of the plants. This will allow more sunlight to reach the fruit and help prevent disease.
4. Pruning Trusses
After blooming, the trusses will develop into strawberries. It’s important to prune the trusses to regulate the size and quality of the fruit.
5. Removing Excess Trusses
Remove any excess trusses that are too close together or growing in an awkward position. This will give the remaining trusses more space to develop.
6. Thinning Out Berries
Once the berries start to develop, it’s beneficial to thin them out to improve their size and quality. Remove any small, misshapen, or damaged berries, leaving only the largest and healthiest ones.
| Pruning Step | Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Remove old bloomers | After harvest | Cut off old, faded bloomers from previous season |
| Cut back new bloomers | After harvest | Trim new bloomers to 6 inches in length |
| Pinch off foliage | After cutting bloomers | Remove excess foliage from base of plants |
| Prune trusses | After blooming | Remove excess or awkwardly positioned trusses |
| Thin out berries | After berries start to develop | Remove small, misshapen, or damaged berries |
Disinfecting Tools
Proper tool disinfection is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure the health of your strawberry plants. Follow these steps to effectively disinfect your tools:
- Gather your tools: Collect all the tools you will be using, including pruners, shears, and trowels.
- Prepare a bleach solution: Mix 1 part household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) with 9 parts water in a bucket or container.
- Submerge the tools: Place all the tools in the bleach solution and soak them for at least 5 minutes.
- Remove and rinse: After soaking, remove the tools from the solution and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry thoroughly: Use a clean cloth or paper towels to dry the tools completely. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Repeat the process: Disinfect your tools regularly, especially after each use or when working with multiple plants.
- Avoid sharing tools: To minimize the risk of disease transmission, do not share tools with other gardeners or borrow tools from unknown sources.
- Consider using a brush: For tools with crevices or hard-to-reach areas, use a clean brush to scrub and remove any debris or dirt before disinfecting.
- Use a multi-purpose disinfectant: Instead of bleach, you can also use a multi-purpose disinfectant specifically designed for gardening tools. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.
Mulching for Winter Protection
Mulching is an essential step in preparing strawberry plants for the winter. It helps insulate the roots, protect them from freezing temperatures, and suppress weeds. The ideal mulch for strawberries is a layer of organic matter, such as straw, hay, or shredded leaves, that is 2-4 inches thick.
Applying mulch to strawberry plants in the fall is a simple process that can significantly improve their winter survival rate. Here are the steps:
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Remove all diseased or damaged leaves from the strawberry plants.
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Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the plants, keeping it away from the stems.
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Water the mulch thoroughly to settle it in place.
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In areas with severe winters, you may want to consider adding an extra layer of mulch or covering the plants with a frost blanket or row cover.
Mulching also provides the following benefits for strawberry plants:
- Reduces moisture loss
- Suppresses weeds
- Adds organic matter to the soil
- Encourages beneficial microorganisms
- Improves soil drainage
- Prevents fruit rot
Types of Mulch for Strawberries
| Type | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Straw | Inexpensive, easy to find | Can blow away in windy conditions |
| Hay | Good insulation, suppresses weeds | Can contain weed seeds |
| Shredded leaves | Organic, free | Decomposes quickly |
| Compost | Rich in nutrients, improves soil structure | Can attract pests |
| Black plastic | Warms the soil, suppresses weeds | Can overheat plants in summer |
How To Cut Back Strawberry Plants
Strawberry plants should be cut back in the fall, after the last harvest. This will help to remove old, diseased foliage and promote new growth in the spring. To cut back strawberry plants, simply use a sharp pair of shears to remove all of the leaves, leaving only the crown of the plant. You can also use a lawnmower to cut back strawberry plants, but be sure to set the mower on the highest setting to avoid damaging the crowns.
After you have cut back the strawberry plants, you should apply a layer of mulch around the plants. This will help to protect the crowns from the cold winter weather and also help to retain moisture in the soil. You can use any type of mulch, such as straw, hay, or compost.
People Also Ask About How To Cut Back Strawberry Plants
When should I cut back strawberry plants?
You should cut back strawberry plants in the fall, after the last harvest.
How do I cut back strawberry plants?
To cut back strawberry plants, use a sharp pair of shears to remove all of the leaves, leaving only the crown of the plant.
What should I do after I cut back strawberry plants?
After you have cut back strawberry plants, you should apply a layer of mulch around the plants to protect the crowns from the cold winter weather and help retain moisture in the soil.
