Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: waggi on May 21, 2005, 22:48:36
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hey all 8)
what a day
i have a question about strawing up when should it be done and how much straw do you put down
thaks in advance
matt ;D
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I put straw down when the fruits are starting to look like strawberries. The plants like warmth so if you straw them up too soon in the spring you'll block the warming sunlight.
How much? Ehm, hard to say. First I water the plants good then I carefully lift and push the plants aside, shove handfulls of straw under and between them and spread the plant back over the top of the straw so the berries lay nicely on top.
Here's a picture from last year.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/fergina/volkstuin/DSC00061_resize.jpg)
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I grow mine through mulch -saves the hassle.
Time to think about netting them as the first ones are starting to sorm.
Jeremy
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Sorry to jump in on someone elses question :-[
We've just planted some strawberry plants, the trouble is, I know NOTHING about gardening, but want to learn.
We haven't got straw or anything on ours, why is it needed, what does it do ??? ??? ??? ::) ::)
Thanks, and apologies once again for nicking your thread :-[ :-*
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When fruits like strawbs or pumpkins are growing- they will rot if left touching bare soil, so straw is used as a barrier between the two- it also keeps the weeds down.
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Oh thanks for that, think I need to get some straw then ;D :-*
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You need to keep the slugs off too Rhi.
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Glad you mentioned slugs Maz, are slug pellets ok to use on edible plants ???
Told you I know nothing ::) ::) ::)
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I dont think I would use them Rhi. Best way is to send the 2 mini Rhi's out there before the slugs get a chance to find them. ;D.
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does it have to be straw? Could I use horticultural fleece - I have loads!
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I read something at the weekend about cutting back unwanted bits on the strawberries this weekend - eh? didn't know I had to prune em!!
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I think you do that after harvest- strawb farmers burn the straw and gunk left after pickin to prevent disease- best way for gardeners is to cut back to the crowns with shears
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Does burning harm the strawberry's for next year?
Rosemary
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i think he means the straw not the plants
BUT i might be wrong
??? ??? ???
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I always understood it that the farmers burnt the whole lot, straw and strawbs - it burns off quickly, the crowns are left clean, pest free and ready to grow away again next year.....but of course, I may be talking rubbish!
I am sure you could use anything as a mulch around your strawbs. You are basically trying to keep the fruits off the ground to prevent them rotting and getting splashed with mud, and to try and keep the pests off them. Also, the straw gets lovely and warm quickly which helps the fruits ripen, and I reakon it reflects the sun, providing more light to ripen the fruits even quicker still!!!!! ;D I guess the bonus with straw is it doesn't break down or go slimey so will be good for the whole of the summer.
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i hope for a lot of strawberrys this season any tips
matt
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Yup- saw it on beechgrove- farmers burn the crowns to remove disease and keep the crowns healthy- it doesnt damage them. However i think it would be better for us small scale strawb farmers to just cut back to the crowns- burning stuff is polluting and unsafe especially in urban areas.
John
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Easiest way is, after fruiting run the lawnmower over the whole patch, rake up and dispose of everything.
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a bit brutal aint it my poor strawberry babys