Author Topic: strawberrys (Read 3597 times)

waggi · « **on:** May 21, 2005, 22:48:36 »

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

ina · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2005, 23:29:46 »

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.

derbex · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2005, 09:23:53 »

I grow mine through mulch -saves the hassle.

Time to think about netting them as the first ones are starting to sorm.

Jeremy

RhiBi · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2005, 11:06:30 »

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 :-[ :-*

return of the mac · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2005, 12:15:30 »

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.

RhiBi · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2005, 12:18:10 »

Oh thanks for that, think I need to get some straw then ;D :-*

maz · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2005, 15:36:32 »

You need to keep the slugs off too Rhi.

RhiBi · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2005, 15:38:07 »

Glad you mentioned slugs Maz, are slug pellets ok to use on edible plants ???

Told you I know nothing ::) ::) ::)

maz · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2005, 15:40:45 »

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.

Justy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2005, 21:26:48 »

does it have to be straw? Could I use horticultural fleece - I have loads!

fat larry · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2005, 16:50:32 »

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!!

return of the mac · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2005, 17:40:08 »

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

Rose.mary · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2005, 22:14:53 »

Does burning harm the strawberry's for next year?
Rosemary

waggi · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2005, 22:18:04 »

i think he means the straw not the plants
BUT i might be wrong
??? ??? ???

Mrs Ava · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2005, 22:39:05 »

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.

waggi · « **Reply #15 on:** May 26, 2005, 21:29:14 »

i hope for a lot of strawberrys this season any tips
matt

return of the mac · « **Reply #16 on:** May 26, 2005, 22:15:03 »

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

kenkew · « **Reply #17 on:** May 27, 2005, 08:07:46 »

Easiest way is, after fruiting run the lawnmower over the whole patch, rake up and dispose of everything.

waggi · « **Reply #18 on:** May 29, 2005, 11:23:46 »

a bit brutal aint it my poor strawberry babys

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Author Topic: strawberrys (Read 3597 times)