In the gardens of many gardeners in Latvia, strawberries are already in full bloom. According to agronomist Alexander Arefyev, this period is one of the most important for the development of the plant. And if several actions are not taken, a good berry harvest may not be expected.
Action 1. Water More Often
During the flowering period, strawberry bushes require more moisture than at other stages of development.
"The frequency of watering and the volume of water delivered must definitely increase," confirms Professor Alexander Arefyev. "During the flowering period, strawberries should be watered at least once every 2–3 days. And if hot, dry weather sets in, then every 1–2 days. Watering should be done only early in the morning, so that by evening the soil under the bushes has dried out and moisture does not linger overnight."
According to the specialist, the water temperature should be around +20 °C; otherwise, the plants may experience stress, which will ultimately affect their further growth and fruiting.
"Watering must be done correctly," explains Alexander Nikolaevich. "The rules are generally simple and consist only of preventing moisture from getting on the leaves and flowers. If water gets on the flowers themselves, it will wash away the pollen, resulting in the plants not being pollinated and there will be no berries."
Action 2. Fertilize the Plants
During the flowering stage, the berry also requires additional nutrition.
"Strawberry bushes will particularly benefit from phosphorus, magnesium, boron, and potassium during this period — specialized stores can advise you on products containing these nutrients," advises the agronomist. "However, when strictly following the conditions specified on the packaging of fertilizers, one must also be aware of other important factors for their application in the soil."
The specialist warns that fertilizers should only be applied to moist soil! If this condition is not met, the plant may suffer root burns, leading to its death.
"There are also foliar fertilizers, which are less dangerous for strawberries," reassures Alexander Arefyev. "They are usually applied by spraying in the evening or morning in dry and windless weather. There are also granular fertilizers — they should be scattered over the strawberry bed, which must then be thoroughly watered."
Action 3. Remove Runners
During the flowering period, it is important to get rid of excess shoots that by this time are drawing sap and becoming noticeable.
"If the runners are left, the berries will be small," explains the professor. "Moreover, unnecessary shoots will significantly thicken the bushes themselves, turning the strawberry bed into a solid grassy field. This will negatively affect the access of sunlight to the berries and, consequently, their ripening and sweetness."
The professor recommends leaving runners only if there is a need to propagate a specific, especially fruitful bush.
Action 4. Loosen and Weed
To provide oxygen, which is especially needed by the roots of strawberries during the flowering period, the soil in the bed should be well loosened.
"At this stage of development, strawberries do not like to be disturbed, but loosening is still necessary," agrees Alexander Arefyev. "This should only be done after watering or rain — under such conditions, the procedure will be more gentle on the plants."
One should not forget about weeding, which is especially important during the flowering period of strawberries.
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