How to feed strawberries to be big and sweet: the main secret

Growing big, sweet strawberries involves a combination of factors, but if there’s a “main secret,” it revolves around providing the optimal growing conditions and nutrient balance. Here’s a breakdown:  

Key Factors for Big, Sweet Strawberries:

• Sunlight:
  • Strawberries thrive in full sun. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize sugar production.  
• Soil:
  • Well-drained, fertile soil is crucial. Strawberries don’t like “wet feet.”  
  • A slightly acidic soil pH (between 5.5 and 6.8) is ideal.  
  • Amending the soil with organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, improves drainage and fertility.  
• Watering:
  • Consistent moisture is essential, especially during flowering and fruiting.  
  • Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.  
  • Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are preferred to keep foliage dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.  
• Fertilization:
  • This is where the “secret” lies:
    • Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring to promote healthy growth.  
    • Potassium Boost: During flowering and fruiting, a fertilizer higher in potassium is essential for sweetness and size. Tomato fertilizer is a good option. Potassium is key for fruit development and sugar production.  
    • Organic Options: Bone meal and kelp meal are excellent organic sources of phosphorus and potassium.  
    • Avoid over fertilization with nitrogen, because that will promote alot of leafy growth, and reduce fruit production.  
• Mulching:
  • Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean.  
  • Straw is a traditional and effective mulch for strawberries.  
• Runner Control:
  • Removing runners (the offshoots that spread) directs the plant’s energy into fruit production, resulting in larger berries.  
• Variety Selection:
  • Choose strawberry varieties known for their large, sweet fruit.

In essence, the “main secret” is a combination of:

• Providing plenty of sunlight.
• Ensuring well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
• And, most importantly, providing a potassium-rich fertilizer during the fruiting phase.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to harvesting big, sweet strawberries.