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Issues with strawberry plants/ well rotted manure

Gardener EveGardener Eve Posts: 118
in Fruit & veg

Hi Everyone!

I planted up loads of bare root strawberry plants in 2014 in 2 different varieties -Malwina and Sonata from pomona fruits.

They are in a raised bed but open to the earth below. I used budget homebase compost to fill.

The crop last year was plentiful & looked good but tasted awful so I was disappointed to say the least!

It wasnt warm last spring so Im hoping it was the weather.

However I've bought some bags of well rotted manure from the garden centre for my sweet peas and tiny veggy patch to dig in before planting.

Does anyone know if I can or should add a layer- like a mulch to my existing strawberry beds? I thought that might improve the flavour but wasnt sure about it sitting on top and being close to the fruit as might have unfriendly bacteria?

I havent used straw ( I heard it adds weeds) or matts (I avoid plastic at all costs) before and have been content with low level of splash back on fruits.

 

If not this has anyone else had this issue? and how did they solve it?

Thanks!!

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Posts

  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    I wouldn't have used compost Eve but it's done now. I'd have applied the mulch in autumn as well.  Compost doesn't contain much in the way of nutrients or substance. If you do mulch then not around the crowns or they'll rot. A light application won't hurt. Mats or straw are good any weeds can be easily pulled out. Last year's wasn't good for my strawbs either temps weren't very high. They're coming up to 3 years old as well so look at potting up runners to replant in Autumn.

  • Gardener EveGardener Eve Posts: 118
    Oh dear! What should I have planted them in?



    I've spent quite a bit on plants & bed etc so really want them to

    Grow tasty fruit!



    What about tomato feed-- high potash? Is that good for

    Them?



    Thanks for your reply!
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Decent garden soil is fine for strawbs Eve. Tomato feed is good as well as is growmore. Tom feed during the season, growmore now. Weather is more important for taste than anything really. Good sun, good moisture (not wet), and decent temperatures grow the best strawbs and unless GH grown all we can do is hope for a good combination of both. Cloches produce earlier crops and can improve flavour, adds a few degrees.

  • Gardener EveGardener Eve Posts: 118
    That's great thanks- I'll get some grow more.

    I suppose the tomato feed goes on after it flowers or after it fruits?



    Thanks again!!
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    Tom feed as it grows, during not after.

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