When Growing Strawberries Is it Okay to Mow Them in August?

June-bearing Strawberries

• June-bearing strawberries, also known as spring-bearing strawberries, are one of three main types of berries propagated. The other two types are ever-bearing and day neutral. June-bearing strawberries generally produce the largest berries of the three types. Fruit is first ready for harvest in the spring from June-bearing plants, with production lasting two to three weeks. Different varieties of June-bearing strawberries exist that are grouped into early, mid-season and late varieties. June-bearing strawberries are the only type to yield many runners -- new plants. Regardless of the variety you grow, you must renovate June-bearing strawberry patch to create space for new plants to establish.

Why Renovate

• Renovation is a process by which you mow or cut away old strawberry plants. Older plants generally produce fewer berries each season, which is why it's important to help new plants establish; greater yields come from new plants. Renovation should take place in mid-to-late August right after the last berries have been harvested. You must renovate June-bearing strawberries every year to guarantee good fruit production next season.

Process

• Once the last berries have been harvested, use a lawn mower to mow down leaves of old plants. The mower should cut off foliage about 1 inch above each plant's crown. Remove the cuttings and dispose of them in the garbage, compost pile or work them remnants into the soil. Spread a balanced fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) at a ratio of 10-10-10 to the soil at a rate of 1 lb. per 100 square feet. Control weeds by manually removing them from the patch. Ensure there's at least 4 inches of space between each plant and rows are at least 6 inches wide. Supply plants with about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water each week to promote growth.

Considerations

• Eliminate excess runners as they form to make sure each plant has adequate spacing. Overcrowded plants can impact production and limit harvest size. The sooner you complete the renovation process; the better chance you have for growing healthy new plants. If you wait until September, runners might not have enough time to set fruit buds before the first frost.