When To Fertilize Strawberry Plants

Knowing when to fertilize strawberry plants is the single most important factor for a heavy harvest. Get the timing wrong, and you might get lots of leaves but few berries. This guide will walk you through the simple schedule that leads to optimal fruit production.

Strawberries are hungry plants, but they’re also sensitive. They need the right food at the right moments in their growth cycle. We’ll cover everything from spring feeding to post-harvest care, including what type of fertilizer to use.

This main schedule applies to established June-bearing strawberries, which is the most common type. We’ll cover other varieties separately. Sticking to this timing ensures energy goes to fruit and not just leaves.

The Essential Fertilization Schedule

For a classic June-bearing strawberry patch, you have three key feeding times:

Early Spring (As Growth Resumes): This is a light feeding to wake the plants up.
After Renovation (Late Summer): This is the most crucial feeding for next year’s crop.
Late Fall (In Cold Climates): A light feeding to support root growth before winter.

1. Early Spring Feeding

Apply fertilizer as soon as you see new green leaves emerging. This is usually when soil is workable and the threat of a hard frost has passed. The goal here is to support early leaf growth, which creates the energy for flowering.

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. A 10-10-10 formula is a common and reliable choice. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeds, which promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

How to apply: Scatter granules lightly around each plant, keeping it away from the crown.
Water it in thoroughly to prevent root burn and start nutrient release.

2. The Critical Post-Harvest Feed

After you’ve picked the last berry, your plants are exhausted. They’ve also just started forming the flower buds for next year’s fruit. This happens in late summer and early fall.

Fertilizing now directly supports that bud formation. About 2-4 weeks after harvest, right after you’ve renovated your bed (by mowing leaves and thinning runners), give them a solid meal. This is the time you can use a fertilizer with a bit more nitrogen to help regrow healthy leaves.

3. Late Fall Feeding (Optional)

In regions with very cold winters, a light late-fall feeding can help. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer after the plants have gone dormant but before the ground freezes solid. This strengthens roots for winter survival.

Do not fertilize in late fall in warm climates, as it can spur tender new growth that will be damaged by frost.

What About Everbearing and Day-Neutral Strawberries?

These varieties produce fruit throughout the season. Their feeding schedule is different because they’re constantly flowering and fruiting.

Instead of big seasonal meals, they prefer light, consistent feeding. Start with an early spring application as with June-bearers. Then, every 3-4 weeks through the growing season, give them a light dose of a balanced fertilizer.

Stop feeding about two months before your first expected fall frost. This allows the plants to harden off for winter.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

The numbers on the bag (N-P-K) stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Each plays a role:

Nitrogen (N): For leaf and runner growth. Too much reduces fruiting.
Phosphorus (P): For strong root development and flower/fruit production.
Potassium (K): For overall plant health, disease resistance, and fruit quality.

For most feedings, a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 works well. Organic options include compost, well-rotted manure, or specific organic berry fertilizers. These feed the soil slowly and improve its structure over time.

How to Apply Fertilizer Correctly

Doing it wrong can harm your plants. Follow these steps:

Always ensure plants are moist before applying any granular fertilizer. Water the day before if the soil is dry.
Measure carefully according to package instructions. More is not better.
Scatter granules in a band around the plant, about 6 inches away from the crown. Never pile fertilizer on the crown itself.
Gently scratch the granules into the soil surface with a hand fork.
Water deeply immediately after application to release the nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Fertilizing at Planting: Do not add fertilizer to the planting hole. It can burn new roots. Instead, prepare the bed with compost a few weeks before planting.
Over-Fertilizing: This causes lush, soft growth that attracts pests and produces few berries. It can also burn plants.
Fertilizing Too Late in Spring: A late nitrogen boost in spring can delay flowering and promote leafy growth when you want flowers.
Skipping the Post-Harvest Feed: This is the most common mistake and it leads to a weak crop the following year.

Signs Your Strawberries Need Food

Your plants will tell you if they’re hungry. Look for these clues:

Pale green or yellowish leaves (especially older ones).
Slow growth and small new leaves.
Small, poorly flavored fruit.
Overall weak, spindly plants.

If you see these signs, check your timing and consider a light feed with a balanced fertilizer, but always correct the main schedule for the next cycle.

FAQ: Feeding Your Strawberry Plants

Can I use tomato fertilizer on strawberries?

Yes, you can. Tomato fertilizers are often higher in potassium, which is good for fruit quality. Just ensure it’s not excessively high in nitrogen.

Is compost enough for strawberries?

For many home gardens, yes. Applying 1-2 inches of well-rotted compost around plants in early spring and after renovation feeds them gently and improves soil. For the heaviest yields, a balanced fertilizer after harvest is still recommended.

When should you not fertilize strawberry plants?

Avoid fertilizing during the main flowering and fruiting period for June-bearers. Also, do not fertilize late in the fall in warm regions, or right before a heat wave.

How often do you fertilize strawberry plants in pots?

Potted strawberries need more frequent feeding because nutrients leach out faster. Use a half-strength liquid balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, or incorporate a slow-release fertilizer at planting.

What is the best natural fertilizer for strawberries?

Composted manure, worm castings, and balanced organic granular fertilizers (like those with feather meal or alfalfa meal) are excellent. They release nutrients slowly, which strawberries prefer.

Getting the timing right for when to fertilize strawberry plants is simple once you know the rhythm. Remember the golden rule: feed for leaves in early spring, then feed for next year’s fruit right after harvest. By matching your feeding to your strawberry type’s life cycle, you’ll give them exactly what they need for optimal fruit production season after season.