Strawberry care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray

When: 9–12 weeks after the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about Jul 12 – Aug 2
• zones 6–7: about Jun 17 – Jul 8
• zones 8–10: about Apr 29 – May 20

Renovation thins the bed and refreshes plants, giving you a heavy crop next year.

1. Mow or shear leaves to 1–2 in (3–5 cm) above the crowns, without cutting the crowns themselves.
2. Narrow the rows to 12 in (30 cm) wide by removing older plants. Keep plants 6 in (15 cm) apart.
3. Fertilize, then water deeply.
4. Everbearing and day-neutral types: just remove old leaves and runners.

When: 10–12 weeks after the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about Jul 19 – Aug 2
• zones 6–7: about Jun 24 – Jul 8
• zones 8–10: about May 6–20

Feeding after harvest, not in spring, builds strong crowns for next year without making soft, rot-prone spring fruit.

1. Broadcast a balanced fertilizer over the bed and water it in.

What to use: 🌿 Balanced organic granular fertilizer (e.g. Espoma Plant-tone 5-3-3) · Slow-release balanced fertilizer (e.g. Osmocote Smart-Release 14-14-14)

When: 1–3 weeks before the last spring frost.

• zones 3–5: about Apr 19 – May 3
• zones 6–7: about Mar 25 – Apr 8
• zones 8–10: about Feb 4–18

Plants need light once they begin growing, but keep the straw nearby in case of frost.

1. Rake straw off the crowns into the aisles. Pull it back over the plants on frost nights while they're in bloom.

When: 3–7 weeks after the first fall frost.

• zones 3–5: about Oct 22 – Nov 19
• zones 6–7: about Nov 15 – Dec 13
• zones 8–10: about Dec 22 – Jan 19

Protects crowns from freeze damage and heaving.

1. After several nights in the low 20s°F (around −5°C), cover plants with 3–4 in (8–10 cm) of loose straw.

What to use: 🌿 Clean straw (not hay, which carries seeds)