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Growing everbearing strawberries can be a rewarding experience, especially when you follow a proper winter care calendar. These plants produce fruit multiple times a year, but they require specific care during the colder months to ensure healthy growth and abundant harvests. This month-by-month guide will help you keep your strawberries thriving through winter and into the next growing season.
January: Prepare and Protect
In January, focus on protecting your strawberry plants from harsh winter conditions. If you live in a region with severe cold, consider covering your plants with straw, mulch, or frost blankets. This insulation helps prevent root damage and keeps the plants from freezing. Check your covers regularly to ensure they are secure and in good condition.
February: Continue Protection and Pruning
By February, continue protecting your strawberries from the cold. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to encourage healthy growth. If the weather warms up, gradually uncover the plants during the day to allow for air circulation. This helps prevent fungal diseases and prepares the plants for upcoming growth.
March: Begin Early Care
As temperatures rise, start preparing your soil by adding compost or organic matter. If your region has mild winters, you may begin to see new growth. Remove winter covers during the day to allow sunlight and air to reach the plants. This promotes healthy development and sets the stage for a productive season.
April: Fertilize and Mulch
April is an ideal time to fertilize your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer. Apply mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Keep an eye out for early signs of flowering or fruiting, which indicates your plants are awakening for the season.
May: Encourage Growth
During May, ensure your strawberries receive adequate water, especially as the weather warms. Remove any weeds that compete for nutrients. If your plants are flowering, avoid disturbing the blossoms to maximize fruit production. Consider adding a layer of straw mulch to protect ripening berries from soil contact and pests.
June: Harvest and Maintain
June marks the beginning of the harvest season for many everbearing strawberries. Pick ripe berries regularly to encourage continued fruiting. Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Remove any runners that are not needed to focus the plant’s energy on fruit production. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
July: Peak Harvest
July is often the peak of strawberry harvest. Enjoy fresh berries and continue caring for your plants. Water deeply during dry spells and mulch to keep the soil cool. Remove any overripe or damaged fruit to prevent disease. This is also a good time to plan for the upcoming winter care.
August: Prepare for Fall
As summer winds down, reduce watering slightly but do not let the plants dry out completely. Remove any remaining ripe fruit and prune back overgrown foliage. Consider applying a slow-release fertilizer to support root development for the next season. Keep the plants healthy and strong as they prepare for winter dormancy.
September: Clean Up and Mulch
In September, clean up your strawberry bed by removing dead leaves and debris. Apply a fresh layer of mulch to insulate the roots and protect against early frosts. This mulch also helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Avoid heavy fertilization at this stage to prevent unwanted new growth before winter.
October: Final Preparations
October is the time to finalize your winter care plan. Ensure all plants are well-mulched and protected from frost. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage. If necessary, use row covers or straw to provide extra insulation. This preparation helps your strawberries survive the cold months with minimal stress.
November: Minimal Maintenance
In November, focus on minimal maintenance. Check your protective covers and adjust as needed. Avoid disturbing the plants to allow them to go dormant naturally. Ensure the mulch remains in place to insulate the roots and prevent frost damage.
December: Rest and Monitor
December is a time for rest. Keep an eye on weather conditions and ensure the mulch and covers remain intact. Avoid unnecessary disturbance to allow your plants to rest and prepare for the upcoming growing season. Proper winter care now sets the foundation for a fruitful year ahead.