1st year growing strawberries, and they appear to be dying?

Question

Can anyone give me some advice on how to grow strawberries?

Answer 1

My dad was a strawberry farmer many years ago and I'd like to share my thoughts with you....

Strawberries are susceptible to many types of diseases. The only problem is that homeowners are not able to purchase the fungicides needed to prevent many of these fungal and bacterial diseases.

You can prevent some of the common problems by growing the strawberry plants on raised beds and using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to cut down the risk of diseases from developing. Don't irrigate by applying water overhead otherwise you run the risk of creating more problems. Try to keep the soil moist but not saturated and DO NOT over-fertilize. Get rid of old leaves showing signs of disease and do the same with berries showing rot. (otherwise they become the source for more problems)

Once the strawberry plants begin to bloom, try to use fertilizers with low amounts of nitrogen with higher amounts of phosphorous and potassium. You can consider using a foliar fertilizer to feed your plants (something similar to the numbers like a 5-20-20). Hint: Using a foliar fertilizer with some calcium will help keep improve the quality of your strawberries and plants.

The addition of compost or bagged manures to the soil, prior to planting next season, will help prevent many soil-borne diseases and nematodes from becoming established. Compost and manures help encourage many natural beneficial organisms to become established.

Hope this information is of some help. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

You need to remove all the 'flowers' from the plants. Allow the plants to grow, and flourish without trying to make them bare fruit their first season. At the end of the season of growing (late fall) wack them down to the soil with a weed wacker. The second year you will have more strawberries than you can pick! Get your jam recipies ready, and your canning materials too! Learn to make great whipped cream for shortcake and believe me, get a little fence as you won't be able to keep those berry plants from spreading!

Answer 3

It depends on where you live and what the climate is like.
Strawberries are very vulnerable to molds - they do really well in dry climates with lots of sun and drip irrigation. That way, the leaves, fruit and flowers don't get wet but the roots do.

There are different varieties that will do well in different areas. Your best bet is to get your starters from a local garden store rather than a big chain (like WalMart). They will know what works best in your area. Big chains tend to produce one variety and sell it over large areas- meaning that they will suck almost everywhere.

Answer 4

strawberries bloom in early spring and the berries come out in april/may. After this, the plant will die back from the summer heat and should begin growing again next year. If not, then the summer heat may be killing them. Make sure they have plenty of water (morning only), and sun.

Answer 5

your strawberries may be fine do they look like they are drying out or getting sunburn they may need to be watered more often you know that they usually don't produce fruit until the second year

Answer 6

i don't know i buy mines from the store