What to Feed Strawberries With in Autumn?
· Valerii Korolko · 4 min read
Why feed strawberries in autumn: reflections and experience
Just think: all summer they worked for us, gave us a tasty harvest and, of course, spent a lot of strength on it. In my experience, if you leave them without attention now, you may not expect many berries next year.
So, know that autumn strawberry feeding is not just a tip, but rule number one for everyone who wants to harvest juicy berries again.
The main goal in autumn is not to push new growth, but to help the bushes "rest" after the summer, set flower buds and prepare properly for overwintering. Then in spring the plants start with fresh energy, and in summer they will again delight you with large, sweet berries.
Basic rules of autumn strawberry care
When exactly to feed? Autumn strawberry feeding.
Here is my life hack: the best time for strawberry feeding is right after you have gathered the last harvest and trimmed the old leaves. This usually happens somewhere at the end of August or in September, depending on where you live. I will tell you this: do not delay, because late feeding simply will not work – the bushes will already be preparing for dormancy, and the fertilisers will not be absorbed.
Weather conditions and soil temperature
Want your strawberry feeding to work? Then remember: the soil must be warm, roughly +10 to +15 °C. If the soil is too cold, the fertilisers will go nowhere, but will simply "freeze". It is better to choose a dry, but not too hot day.
Combining feeding with watering and loosening
So as not to burn the roots, I always advise moistening the soil before applying fertilisers. After that, the soil should be loosened slightly. This way the nutrients reach the root system faster and start working.
What to feed strawberries with in autumn:
my tips
Nitrogen-free mineral fertilisers
Remember: nitrogen in autumn is taboo. Just forget about it. It will make the plant push out new leaves, and these, unfortunately, will not withstand the frosts and will die. Phosphorus and potassium, on the other hand, are exactly what is needed. They strengthen the roots and help set strong flower buds for the future harvest.
I recommend:
- Superphosphate. This is the classic for strong roots.
- Potassium sulphate. Helps the plant become more resistant to cold.
- Monopotassium phosphate. I like it a lot because it is convenient both for watering and for spraying.
If you ask what to fertilise strawberries with in autumn, these products are my option, proven over the years.
Organic feeding
Well-rotted humus or compost is simply a treasure for strawberries. I recommend spreading it under the bushes in a thin layer (about 1–2 cm). It is both "live food" for the soil and additional insulation for the roots for winter. Never use fresh manure: it can burn the plant.
Ready-made complex mixes
Nowadays, to make mineral fertilisers easier to use, manufacturers have developed a number of complexes in which everything is already balanced: potassium, phosphorus, a little magnesium. This is convenient and there is no need to calculate anything. If you are a beginner and do not know what to feed strawberries with for winter, take ready-made complexes – you will not go wrong.
Methods of applying fertilisers: how I do it
Root method
This is the most common and, in my view, the most reliable method. We dissolve the fertiliser in water and water each bush. We always make sure the soil is moist, and then there is no need to fear that the roots will "burn".
Foliar spraying
If you see that a bush looks weak, I do a light spraying of the leaves with a phosphorus-potassium fertiliser solution. This is a sort of "emergency" method to quickly support the plant. But in autumn it should not be overused – once at the beginning of September is enough.
Conclusions and my practical tips
So, if anyone asks what to feed strawberries with in autumn, I will answer like this: use phosphorus-potassium fertilisers, humus or ready-made mixes. Nitrogen – only until spring.
Remember: feeding strawberries in autumn is not about "pushing" the bush, but about preparing it well for winter. Proper autumn strawberry feeding guarantees healthy bushes, and therefore a generous harvest.
My main advice: it is better to do one quality strawberry feeding on time than several hasty and late ones. Then in spring you will not have to guess how to help your strawberries, because they will thank you themselves with a powerful start.
Contact us and get a consultation on the use of high-quality Belgian Prayon mineral fertilisers.
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