Indoors, on the balcony or in the garden soil, strawberries are relatively easy to grow. But how to increase the yield of your strawberries this summer? Are there simple tricks to double your harvest? From choosing the variety to multiplying the plants, to watering and fertilizing, here are 5 gardening secrets that every gardener should know to be successful with their strawberries!
How to increase the yield of your strawberries this summer? 5 tips to make your harvest explode!
Strawberries are fruit bushes whose foliage is semi-evergreen. Beneficial and easy to preserve for several days in the refrigerator, these vitamin-filled berries easily slip into various summer recipes: mixed salads, homemade ice cream, jams, cheesecake, strawberry tiramisu in a glass, etc. Plus, they’re packed with vitamin C and health-promoting minerals. This is enough to increase the yield of your strawberries this summer. 5 little-known but effective tips to succeed without worries!
Favor productive strawberry varieties
As a general rule, the yield of your strawberries depends largely on the varieties chosen. The quality of young plants is essential, since these plants are very susceptible to diseases. Therefore, it is better to choose free certified ones. Likewise, if you want to boost your harvest this summer, opt for more productive varieties. Some produce fruit between June and July, and then produce a new crop at the end of the season. Its useful life is usually 5 years. As for weak and unproductive strawberries, they only bear fruit from May to June.
Some of the best varieties include:
- the gang of the woods
- la gariguette
- Mariguette
- the strawberry master
- el magnum
- the gastronome
- Nova Gento
- Manila
Prepare the soil and choose a sunny location.
To enhance the fruiting of your strawberries, you must allow them to develop well. To do this, before planting them, choose a fairly sunny place and soil enriched with compost and natural fertilizer. Young plants appreciate loose soil that promotes rooting. That said, it is recommended to add organic horse manure, which is usually very rich in nitrogen. Note: Large-fruited strawberries prefer a sunny position, while other varieties do best in semi-shaded locations. Also pay attention to the pH of the soil. Calcareous soil can cause yellowing of the leaves.
Water regularly and fertilize to increase strawberry yield.
Another great necessity to increase the yield of strawberries is to fertilize them regularly. To do this, opt for a natural, liquid fertilizer. Why liquid? To provide both water and nutrients. Additionally, this shrub likes soft, draining soil. To keep it light and well ventilated, it is necessary to work it at a depth of 30 cm. This way, water, fertilizer and air can infiltrate more easily. If you grow your strawberries in pots, be careful about overwatering. These voracious plants love water, especially during periods of high heat. However, soil that is too wet can suffocate the roots. Also avoid watering the fruits, as this can cause them to rot.
Cover your strawberries for a bountiful harvest
Mulching strawberries, raspberries or tomatoes on the balcony is a good way to protect them from mold and pests. In addition, this gesture limits the development of weeds in the garden. It also keeps the soil moist, while protecting the fruit from rotting. Pine needles are also excellent protection against slugs. They are also well known for enhancing the sweet flavor of strawberries.
Cut and remove wilted leaves
Pruning strawberries stimulates their flowering, protects them from diseases and increases strawberry yield. To do this, remember to remove any wilted or yellowed leaves. These are known to limit fruit development. Also prune thin bushes that lack berries. Renew the plantation every 3-4 years. In fall, add compost or crushed horn.
