No fruit will provide success and satisfaction for the home gardener as do strawberries. Strawberries are well adapted to our area, require a very small investment, can produce a bumper crop about 12 to 14 months after planting, and require a minimum of care.

Now is the time to mulch strawberries. Mulch will prevent alternate freezing and thawing of the soil which may heave plants out of the soil. Mulch will also help to control weeds and help keep berries clean during harvest.

Many materials can be used for mulch, the most common being straw and sawdust. Leaves can be used if they are ground or chopped fine. Wood chips and landscape mulch is too large and heavy and will smother the plants.

Apply mulch in late November to mid December when nighttime temperatures are down to 20° F for several days. Spread or sift mulch loosely over the plants, just enough to cover them from view. After 7 to 14 days apply another layer of mulch to again cover the plants. Sawdust and chopped leaves should be applied to a 1-inch depth.

Now is a good time to apply fertilizer if it has not been applied at planting or after picking. Apply 5 pounds of 5-10-5 per 100 feet of row (7 pounds if sawdust or chopped leaves are used).

Check the plants at the first of March then weekly for signs of regrowth. Lightly remove the mulch when strawberry foliage shows yellowing. Keep this mulch at the row ends or middles to apply if spring frost threatens. Remember to remove this mulch during the day!