The expert named the main mistakes of strawberry care after harvest

Strawberry care after berry picking is an important stage in preparing the plant for the next season, since it is during this period that future flower buds are formed and the bush's strength is restored. Natalia Rudakova, Candidate of Biological Sciences, told Izvestia about this on August 4.

According to the expert, after the end of fruiting, strawberries do not go into dormancy, but continue to actively develop. At this time, the plant lays the foundation for the future harvest, grows new leaves and strengthens the root system. A lack of nutrition after picking berries can lead to a weakening of bushes, a decrease in yield and a deterioration in the quality of fruits next year.

"The period immediately after picking the berries is the most critical and at the same time the most underestimated stage in the life cycle of strawberries. Gardeners often relax, considering the season is over, but from the point of view of plant physiology, it is just beginning," said Rudakova.

The expert explained that after fruiting, it is necessary to change the composition of the top dressing. During this period, phosphorus and potassium come out on top, and the amount of nitrogen should be limited. Phosphorus promotes the development of the root system and the laying of peduncles, and potassium increases the resistance of plants to diseases and frosts. Excess nitrogen, on the contrary, can lead to active leaf growth to the detriment of the formation of future berries.

A worm without a doubt: Spanish slugs will take over new cities and crawl to Kamchatka

A dangerous invasive species of mollusk is capable of taking over the whole of Russia, but there are no means to combat it.

For top dressing, you can use mineral fertilizers with a high content of potassium and phosphorus or complex formulations marked "autumn". Among the organic remedies, infusions of mullein, chicken manure and wood ash are suitable. Fertilizers should only be applied to moist soil after pre-watering.

Rudakova noted that one of the main mistakes of gardeners is to stop caring for strawberries immediately after harvest. Plants can also suffer from excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, lack of irrigation and the use of fresh manure, which can damage the roots.

After fruiting, strawberries require sanitary pruning. The specialist recommends removing dry, damaged and old leaves, as well as whiskers, if they are not needed for reproduction. At the same time, young green foliage and the central point of growth of the bush should not be affected.

After pruning, it is necessary to remove the old mulch, gently loosen the soil, if necessary, hoe the plants and update the protective layer. Regular watering and mulching help to retain moisture and protect the roots from overheating.

According to the biologist, wood ash, which contains potassium, phosphorus and trace elements, is considered the most effective among folk remedies. You can also use infusions of rotted mullein, chicken manure and nettle. At the same time, fresh manure cannot be used, and many homemade recipes, including the use of tea leaves or fresh peelings, do not give quick results.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the State University of Enlightenment, biologist Irina Lyalina said that some vegetables, fruits and berries help maintain normal blood pressure, so in summer it is especially important to include them in the diet. The biologist also noted that potassium plays a key role in maintaining normal blood pressure, which helps to remove excess fluid from the body. Its sources are bananas, spinach, avocado, as well as papaya and coconut.