How to Fertilize Strawberry Plants in the Spring

Whether you grow a whole bed of strawberries or just a few potted plants, replenishing the soil nutrients each spring ensures the strawberries remain productive every year. New plants require fertilization both at spring planting and a second application later in the spring, while existing plants benefit from a late winter or early spring treatment. Fertilizer application in spring is light, as too much leads to excessive foliage growth but few berries.

10-10-10 fertilizer
Ammonium nitrate
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Spread 4 lbs. of 10-10-10 analysis fertilizer over every 100 square feet of new planting bed. Apply this fertilizer in spring, approximately three weeks before setting the new strawberry plants in the bed.
- 2
  Apply 1.5 lbs. of nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonium nitrate, in late spring one month after planting if the strawberry foliage appears yellow or weak. Work the fertilizer into the top 3 inches of soil between the plants, but don't get it directly on the foliage as fertilizer can cause burning.
- 3
  Fertilize established strawberry plants in late winter or early spring. Apply either 1.5 lbs. of ammonium nitrate or apply 2.5 lbs. of 10-10-10 analysis fertilizer per each 100 square feet of bed.
- 4
  Mulch around the plants with a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost after applying the spring fertilizer. The compost helps retain soil moisture and leaches organic nutrients into the soil throughout the spring and summer months.

Blackberry Plant Varieties

Differences Between Currants

Growing Berries