Renovation is an important step in June-bearing strawberry management that comes after harvest. Renovating allows the strawberry plants to grow vigorously and prepare new fruiting buds for next year.
Do not renovate in the establishment year.
WHEN?
Renovation is performed on June-bearing strawberry beds IMMEDIATELY AFTER HARVEST.
MOW OR CLIP LEAVES
As soon as all the berries have been harvested, mow off the leaves or clip them to about 3 inches tall. Use your lawn mower set at the highest setting and collect the clippings in the mower bag or rake them off to help reduce disease. Take care not to cut or injure the crowns!
REDUCE BED CROWDING
Rototill the edges of the beds to narrow the bed width to 12–18 inches. Do not let additional daughter plants root.
FERTILIZER APPLICATION
We recommend the application of 1–1½ pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. at renovation.
For the most efficient use of fertilizer, apply about 2/3 that rate at renovation and 1/3 in September.
WATER
Complete the renovation process with a good watering to get new growth off to a good start. Continue to maintain adequate moisture through the remainder of the growing season.
DO NOT RENOVATE DAY-NEUTRAL OR EVERBEARING STRAWBERRY PLANTS.
Day-neutrals are typically grown as an annual but plants can be overwintered for a second harvest, though berry size can decrease.