Three Mistakes in Autumn Care That Can Destroy Your Strawberry Harvest in 2025
Autumn care for strawberries plays a key role in shaping the future harvest and maintaining plant health. The actions taken during this period determine how abundant and disease-resistant the strawberries will be in the spring and summer of the following year.
This is reported by AgroReview
Excess Nitrogen and Use of Fresh Organic Matter
One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is applying nitrogen fertilizers or fresh manure at the end of summer or in autumn. At this time, strawberries should focus their energy on forming flower buds and strengthening the root system, rather than on growing leaves. Excess nitrogen stimulates the growth of green mass, making the plants more vulnerable to frost and fungal diseases, as well as weakening their natural immunity.
It is best to fertilize strawberries with potassium, which promotes the accumulation of carbohydrates in the roots and ensures winter hardiness. It is important to remember that fertilization loses its effectiveness when temperatures drop below +3…+4 °C. Organic materials are recommended to be used as mulch only after the growing season has ended and the soil begins to freeze.
Improper Fungicide Treatment and Premature Covering
The second serious mistake is the application of fungicides, particularly copper or iron sulfate, at low temperatures. In autumn, when air temperatures fall below +5 °C, most fungal pathogens enter a dormant state, making treatment ineffective. Moreover, excessive concentrations of copper can damage leaves and buds, especially if the plant has not yet completed its growing season.
It is advisable to treat strawberries with fungicides only in early autumn when the plants are still actively growing. After temperatures drop to +5…+10 °C, treatments lose their meaning and can even harm the plants.
Another mistake is covering strawberries for winter too early. If the bushes are covered before stable sub-zero temperatures are established, high humidity is retained under the cover, leading to root rot and decay of the central part of the plant. The best time to cover is when the average daily temperature drops to -2…-6 °C and remains so for 5–7 days. It is advisable to avoid materials that absorb water, such as straw or sawdust, as they become heavy after thawing and promote the development of rot. For covering, it is suitable to use agrotextile or pine branches. If the strawberry variety is cold-resistant and the winter promises to be snowy, a natural snow cover can provide the best protection.
The success of strawberry care depends not on the amount of effort but on understanding its biological processes and strictly adhering to timelines. Avoiding these three common mistakes in October ensures a healthy winter and a high yield next year.