Can anyone tell me if I should use specialist fertilizer or feed on my strawberry plants.
The plants are not planted yet as I am waiting for them to be delivered.
I believe at least half of the plants are bare root, possibly all of them.
Whatever fertilizer I use, should I feed them from planting or just when growing or fruiting.
Strawberries are pretty tough but do prefer a reasonably well drained soil.
It is advised not to grow them in soil that has been recently planted with Tomatoes, Potatoes and Chrysanthemums.
A strawberry bed is normally productive for 3 - 4 years before needing to rotate it elsewhere.
Annual feed of growmore or other general fertiliser in early spring then feed with a high potash liquid feed like a tomato feed fortnightly during the growing season.
So if your soil is in a reasonable condition I would just dig in about 2oz per sqyard of a good general fertiliser before planting then feed when they have established themselves later in the season.
I do not give a high nitrogen feed, because they simply produce more and more leaves.
Just wood ashed ours :happy7:
Mine get a good drench with liquid seaweed and some Powerfeed once a month from when the new leaves get gowing and that's it.....
Ok, thanks for all advice