Farmer distributes second crop of harvest, greatly enhancing the grove's yield; amasses vast amounts of berries in August for collection
In the spirit of watering, renovation, mulching, and nutrient management, here's a guide to help you prepare your strawberry plants for a bountiful second harvest in August-September. These tips, shared on the Zen blog "Volzhskii Sad" (12+), will ensure your strawberry plants remain productive and healthy.
Watering
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially in late August and September, when fruit buds are forming for the next crop. Strawberries need about 1 to 1½ inches of water per week during critical growth periods. If rainfall is insufficient, water the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches to keep your plants well-hydrated.
Renovation
After the first harvest, renovate the planting by mowing or cutting back old foliage, thinning plants if overcrowded, and removing runners that grow into aisles. This helps maintain good air circulation and encourages healthy new growth, keeping the planting productive for two or more fruiting seasons.
Weeding and Mulching
Control weeds by hand-pulling, hoeing, or tilling, and apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of straw mulch (avoid grass clippings as they may smother plants). Mulching helps retain moisture and reduces weed competition.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer right after harvest to replenish nutrients. Use a good slow-release strawberry fertilizer at the start of new flowering to ensure your plants have the necessary nutrients for a successful second harvest.
Runner Management
Cut runners in vigorous beds to prevent excessive spreading and focus plant energy on fruit development.
Additional Tips
- Harvest strawberries in the morning when fruits show 50-75% natural crimson color, and pick multiple times per week during the season to encourage continuous production.
- Keep monitoring for pests and diseases and manage them promptly to ensure a healthy crop.
By following these steps, you can maintain strawberry plants in good condition and encourage a successful second harvest in late summer to early fall (August-September).
Remember to gently loosen the soil around strawberry plants to make it easier for the roots to breathe. Delaying care for strawberry plants can cause them to waste energy and produce fewer flower buds for the next harvest. After pruning strawberry plants, dust them with sulfur or treat with a fungicide to prevent diseases.
For more gardening tips and secrets, check out "Garden Secrets for Every Occasion". Natalia, a gardener, has also shared tips for preparing strawberries post-harvest to ensure another harvest in August-September.
The article also mentions growing spicy ginger at home on a windowsill, with a fresh harvest in just 4 months, and storing potatoes in a way that keeps them always young and never sprouting, allowing for fresh consumption all year without worry. It also suggests adding 1 spoonful of "Ozveirin" to water for cucumbers to produce until October.
Happy gardening!
Maintaining a healthy strawberry lifestyle at home includes not only watering diligently and providing proper nutrients but also weed control and mulching for moisture retention. After the first harvest, renovate your strawberry home-and-garden by mowing or cutting back old foliage, thinning plants if overcrowded, and managing runners to encourage healthy new growth.
