As the alternating cycles of sun, heat and rain shape our summer days, I start thinking about cooler times of the year, the fall planting season. One plant to consider planting in the fall are strawberries.
Planting strawberries in the fall is really an exercise in preparation for bountiful production of fruit beginning in January and continuing into May and June.
The following procedure will lead to a successful strawberry production if followed:
The best location for strawberry production provides well-drained, moist, sandy soil with substantial organic matter. It must not be too wet. pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, which is considered slightly acidic.
A fertilizer scheme of 2 lbs. of a 10-5-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. of raised bed or 10 feet of row should be applied at pre-plant, with ¼ of the fertilizer over the top and the rest in a one-inch-deep band near the location of drip irrigation.
DO NOT apply fertilizer directly below the plants, as the fertilizer may burn the young transplants.
- Courtesy Matthew Orwat
