Feeding Strawberries in August: What Fertilizer is Best to Apply

After your strawberries have finished bearing fruit, it’s time to give them a little extra care. This is a critical period when the bushes begin laying flower stalks for the next year’s crop, making top dressing essential for healthy growth.

Timing and Preparation:

• Feed the bushes after they have been abundantly watered, ideally with warm water. This ensures that the soil is moist and the nutrients are properly absorbed.
• If the weather is hot, consider watering the beds again after applying the fertilizer to help the plants take up the nutrients effectively.

What Fertilizers to Use:

1. Potassium-Phosphorus Fertilizers:
   • In August, avoid using nitrogen fertilizers, as they can harm the plants and reduce their ability to survive the winter. Instead, choose potassium-phosphorus fertilizers to support root development and prepare the plants for the colder months.
   • For the best results, dissolve:
     • 15 g of potassium sulfate
     • 20 g of superphosphate
     • Mix this in a bucket of water (approximately 10 liters). This quantity is sufficient for 1 m² of strawberry bed.
   • For better dissolution of the superphosphate, dissolve it in hot water and let it sit for about 10 hours before use.
   • In the morning, apply the solution by watering the bushes between the rows. Alternatively, you can mix the dry fertilizers directly into the soil and then moisten the bed thoroughly.
2. Organic Fertilizers:
   • You can also opt for organic fertilizers like humus and wood ash to feed your strawberries naturally.
   • To prepare, dissolve humus and wood ash in a bucket of water at a ratio of 1:10 (1 part humus to 10 parts water). For each bucket, add 100 grams of wood ash.
   • This solution is also enough for 1 m² of bed.
   • Additionally, you can add 30 g of superphosphate to the solution for extra nourishment.
   • Apply the mixture directly to the soil, ensuring it reaches the root zone of the plants.

Benefits of Proper Fertilization:

By using these potassium-phosphorus and organic fertilizers, you will help your strawberries build strong roots and prepare for winter. This ensures they stay healthy and robust, leading to a bountiful harvest the following year.

We wish you success in your strawberry growing efforts and a great harvest next season!