Strawberry care over the winter.?

Question

Well summer is over in chicago and as the growing season draws to a close i am wondering if there is anything i should do to preserve my new strawberry patch i planted this year.
They have spread well and i am hoping to have a good harvest next year from my everbearers.
So is there anything special i need to do to ensure their survival this winter? Mulch maybe?

Answer 1

First of all, let the plants harden off, then after the first real hard freeze (ground frozen hard about 1/2 inch down), I usually wait until the 2nd or 3rd hard frost/freeze, otherwise the mulch could actually create a micro-climate effect, then place some twigs/sticks over the plants; apply a layer of mulch (4-6 inches), the sticks will help prevent the mulch from smothering the plants and make it easier to remove in the spring. Once you've covered the plants put a few more sticks on top to help prevent the covering from blowing off (esp with those high winds in your area). This helps to prevent heaving of the plants during winter especially if your soil doesn't drain well. Mulch material can be most anything such as pine needles, straw (I prefer to use wheat straw) or even shredded newspaper (remember to remove the ad inserts as the color ink can contain heavy metals). Most avoid using actual pine bark mulch as it can mat down an be difficult to get up in the spring. Finally once you've put down the twigs-mulching material-twigs layers lightly hose it down with water. when next spring arrives remove from the plants but keep the mulch nearby just in case a frost occurs, you can put the layer back on to protect from a light frost. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Good, clean, dry straw is the very best winter protection for a strawberry patch. You can probably find some at the local Home Center or Garden Center. If not, the newspaper's "farm market" section will probably have a few listings. I cover my strawberries fairly well, no green should be showing through the straw. Also, straw is relatively easy to remove and discard in the Spring. Mulch would be much more difficult to remove.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

I lived on a farm in Northern Sweden for 18 months . the floor replaced into frozen rock sturdy for six months in wintry climate yet whilst it thawed out the strawberry flora popped out and grew like loopy.like the 1st guy suggested only save it moist and bypass away it exterior and it would be fantastic.

Answer 4

Cover them well with straw.
Mulch would be hard to remove and it doesn't matter if a bit of straw gets left behind when you clean up in the spring.

Answer 5

Mulch will help.