Early spring is an exciting time for gardeners, as it marks the beginning of a new growing season. One of the most popular fruits to grow in the spring is strawberries. These sweet and juicy berries are a favorite for many, and covering them in early spring can provide you with a 3-week-earlier harvest!

So why should you cover your strawberries? Well, covering them in early spring helps protect the plants from the unpredictable weather that often occurs during this time of year. Frost, heavy rain, and strong winds can all damage the delicate blossoms and young fruit. By covering your strawberries, you create a microclimate that shields them from these elements, allowing them to thrive and produce fruit earlier in the season.

When choosing a cover for your strawberries, there are several options available. Strawberries can be covered with row covers, plastic tunnels, or even old bed sheets. The key is to create a barrier that allows sunlight and airflow, while still providing protection from the weather. By covering your strawberries, you can also prevent pesky pests, such as birds and insects, from feasting on your fruit.

In addition to protecting your strawberries, covering them in early spring can also help increase their yield. The early protection allows the plants to develop stronger roots and establish themselves more effectively. This, in turn, leads to larger, healthier plants and a larger harvest. By covering your strawberries in early spring, you are giving them a head start and maximizing their growth potential.

Covering strawberries in early spring is a simple and effective way to get a 3-week-earlier harvest. By protecting them from weather and pests, you can enjoy sweet, juicy strawberries sooner in the growing season. So don’t forget to cover your strawberries this year and reap the rewards of an earlier and more abundant harvest!

Why Cover Strawberries in Early Spring?

Covering strawberries in early spring can provide several benefits for your strawberry plants, helping them to produce a harvest that is up to three weeks earlier than uncovered plants.

Protection from Frost

One of the main reasons to cover strawberries in early spring is to protect them from frost. As strawberries begin to emerge from dormancy and start to grow in early spring, they are vulnerable to sudden drops in temperature and frosts. By covering your strawberry plants with row covers or blankets, you can create a protective barrier against frost and help your plants survive these cold spells.

Extended Growing Season

By covering your strawberries in early spring, you can extend the growing season for your plants. The covers trap heat from the sun during the day, creating a warmer microclimate around the plants. This allows the plants to start growing earlier and continue growing later into the season, giving you a longer period to harvest fresh strawberries.

Increased Fruit Production

Covering strawberries in early spring can also lead to increased fruit production. The warmth provided by the covers encourages the strawberry plants to flower and set fruit earlier. This means that you can enjoy a larger crop of strawberries earlier in the season. Additionally, the covers can protect the blossoms from wind and rain, which can cause damage and decrease fruit production.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Another benefit of covering strawberries in early spring is that it can help prevent pest and disease issues. The covers act as a physical barrier, preventing insects and pests from reaching the plants and causing damage. They can also protect the plants from diseases that may be present in the soil, such as fungal pathogens, by preventing spores from reaching the plants.

Extend Your Harvest by 3 Weeks

Spring is the perfect time to start planning your strawberry garden. By covering your strawberries early in the season, you can extend your harvest by up to 3 weeks. This simple technique can give you a head start on enjoying delicious, fresh strawberries.

The Benefits of Covering Strawberries

Covering your strawberries with a protective layer helps to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This can provide several benefits:

• Protection against frost: Early spring is notorious for unpredictable weather, including late frost. By covering your strawberries, you can shield them from frost damage and ensure a higher yield.
• Enhanced heat retention: The cover traps heat and keeps the soil warm, creating a microclimate that encourages faster growth and earlier fruiting.
• Reduced weed growth: By blocking sunlight, the cover suppresses weed growth, reducing competition for nutrients and water.
• Protection against pests: The cover acts as a physical barrier, preventing pests such as birds and insects from damaging your strawberry plants.

How to Cover Strawberries

Covering your strawberries is a simple process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the right cover: Choose a cover that is lightweight, breathable, and allows sunlight to reach the plants while providing protection.
2. Place the cover over the plants: Lay the cover over the strawberry plants, ensuring it extends to the edges of the garden bed and is securely anchored.
3. Secure the cover: Use stakes or rocks to secure the edges of the cover, preventing it from blowing away in strong winds.
4. Monitor the temperature: Check the temperature regularly and remove the cover if temperatures rise above the recommended range for strawberry growth.
5. Remove the cover gradually: As temperatures stabilize and the risk of frost diminishes, gradually remove the cover during the daytime and replace it at night for a week or two before completely removing it.

Enjoy an Early Strawberry Harvest

By covering your strawberries in the early spring, you can enjoy a harvest that starts up to 3 weeks earlier than unprotected plants. This means more strawberries to enjoy and more time to savor their sweet, juicy flavor.

Protect Your Plants from Frost

Frost can be extremely damaging to plants, especially in early spring when the temperatures can still drop below freezing. It’s important to take steps to protect your plants from frost to ensure a healthy and successful growing season. Here are some tips to help you protect your plants from frost:

1. Monitor weather forecasts

Stay informed about the weather conditions in your area. Check the forecast regularly, especially during the spring when frost is more likely to occur. Knowing when frost is expected will give you a heads-up to take action and protect your plants.

2. Cover your plants

Covering your plants is one of the most effective ways to protect them from frost. Use blankets, sheets, or frost cloth to cover your plants overnight or when frost is forecasted. Make sure to secure the covers tightly to prevent cold air from getting in.

3. Use mulch

Mulch can help insulate the soil and plants from extreme temperatures. Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help retain heat in the soil and protect the roots. Organic materials like straw or wood chips work well as mulch.

4. Water your plants

Watering your plants before a frost can actually help protect them. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, so watering your plants before a frost can help insulate them from the cold. However, be careful not to water too much, as excessive moisture can also damage the plants.

5. Build a cold frame or greenhouse

If you have the space and resources, consider building a cold frame or a greenhouse. These structures provide a controlled environment that can protect your plants from frost and extend the growing season.

6. Plant frost-resistant varieties

Choose plants that are more tolerant of cold temperatures and frost. Look for varieties that are labeled as frost-resistant or cold-hardy. These plants are better equipped to withstand frost and will have a higher chance of surviving.

7. Bring potted plants indoors

If you have potted plants, it’s best to bring them indoors during frosty nights. Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage because the roots are not as protected as those in the ground. Find a suitable location inside your home where the plants can get enough light and warmth.

By following these tips, you can protect your plants from frost and ensure a successful growing season. Taking precautions early on can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your plants.

Prevent Damage from Strong Winds

One of the main challenges for strawberry plants in early spring is strong winds. These winds can cause significant damage to the plants, including breaking branches and uprooting the plant entirely. To prevent this damage, covering the strawberry plants can be an effective solution.

When strong winds are forecasted, it is important to provide some form of protection to the strawberry plants. Here are a few methods you can use:

1. Use row covers: Row covers are lightweight fabric covers that can be placed over the plants. They provide a physical barrier against the wind while also allowing sunlight and air to reach the plants. Make sure to secure the row covers tightly to prevent them from blowing away.
2. Create windbreaks: Planting windbreaks around the strawberry patch can help reduce the impact of strong winds. Windbreaks can be made from materials such as fences, hedges, or even tall plants. They should be positioned to block the prevailing wind direction and provide a shield for the plants.
3. Stake the plants: If your strawberry plants are not yet established enough to be covered with row covers, you can stake them to provide support against the wind. Use sturdy stakes and tie the plants gently to avoid causing any damage. Make sure the stakes are securely anchored in the ground.

By taking these preventive measures, you can protect your strawberry plants from the damaging effects of strong winds. This will help ensure a healthy and productive harvest later in the season.

Keep Pests and Birds Away

When it comes to growing strawberries, pests and birds can be a major problem. These intruders can damage your strawberry plants and eat your precious fruit before you even have a chance to enjoy it. To prevent this, covering your strawberries in early spring is a great solution.

By covering your strawberries, you create a physical barrier that keeps pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids away from your plants. These pests can cause significant damage to your strawberry plants, affecting their growth and reducing your harvest. Additionally, covering your strawberries helps prevent birds from feasting on your fruit. Birds love strawberries, and once they discover your tasty crop, they can quickly decimate your harvest.

There are different types of covers you can use to protect your strawberries. One popular option is bird netting, which is made of fine mesh and prevents birds from accessing your plants. Another option is row covers, which are lightweight fabric covers that allow sunlight, air, and water to pass through while keeping pests and birds out.

When you cover your strawberries, make sure to secure the covers properly to prevent any gaps or openings that pests or birds could exploit. You may need to use stakes, clips, or weights to keep the covers in place and ensure they provide adequate protection.

Keeping pests and birds away from your strawberries is essential for a successful harvest. So, don’t forget to cover your plants in early spring and enjoy a bountiful, pest-free crop!

Create a Controlled Environment

One of the main reasons for covering strawberries in early spring is to create a controlled environment for the plants. By covering the strawberry plants, you can protect them from extreme temperature fluctuations and adverse weather conditions.

Here are a few steps to create a controlled environment for your strawberry plants:

1. Choose a suitable covering material

• Select a covering material that can provide the necessary protection to the plants. Common options include frost blankets, row covers, or plastic tunnels.
• Consider factors like durability, insulation, and light transmission when choosing the covering material.

2. Install the covering

• Measure and cut the covering material according to the size of your strawberry bed.
• Secure the covering material in place using stakes or clips, ensuring it covers the entire bed without crushing the plants.

3. Monitor temperature and ventilation

• Regularly monitor the temperature inside the covered area using a thermometer.
• If the temperature rises too high, consider providing additional ventilation by propping open one side of the covering or adding vents.

4. Water and fertilize regularly

• Ensure the strawberry plants receive adequate moisture by watering them regularly. The covering material can help retain moisture, but be cautious not to overwater.
• Continue with your regular fertilization schedule to provide the necessary nutrients to the plants.

5. Remove the covering gradually

• As the weather warms up and the risk of frost decreases, gradually remove the covering during the day to allow the plants to acclimate to the outdoor conditions.
• Once the plants are fully acclimated, remove the covering entirely.

By creating a controlled environment for your strawberries, you can extend the growing season and enjoy an earlier harvest. However, it is important to monitor the weather conditions and adjust the covering accordingly to avoid overheating or excessive moisture buildup.

Promote Early Flowering and Fruit Set

Covering strawberries in early spring can help promote early flowering and fruit set. Here are some reasons why:

• Protection from Frost: By covering strawberries, you can protect them from late spring frosts, which can damage the delicate blossoms and reduce fruit set. Frost protection allows the plants to continue growing and producing fruit without setbacks.
• Warmer Microclimate: Covering strawberries creates a warmer microclimate around the plants. The cover acts as a barrier, trapping heat from the sun and reducing heat loss at night. This helps to raise the temperature around the plants, promoting early flowering and fruit development.
• Extended Growing Season: By promoting early flowering and fruit set, covering strawberries can extend the growing season. This means you can enjoy fresh, ripe strawberries even earlier in the year, providing a longer harvest period and more opportunity to enjoy these delicious fruits.
• Pest and Disease Prevention: Covering strawberries also offers protection against pests and diseases. The cover acts as a physical barrier, preventing pests like birds and insects from accessing the plants and damaging the flowers or fruits. It also reduces the risk of disease transmission, as the cover helps to keep moisture levels and humidity more controlled.

Overall, covering strawberries in early spring can provide several benefits, including promoting early flowering and fruit set, protecting against frost, creating a warmer microclimate, extending the growing season, and preventing pests and diseases. It’s a simple and effective way to maximize your strawberry harvest and enjoy fresh, juicy berries earlier in the year!

Increase Fruit Size and Quality

By covering strawberries in early spring, you can not only get an earlier harvest, but also increase the size and quality of your fruits. Here are some ways in which covering can help improve fruit size and quality:

Protection from Frost

Strawberry plants are susceptible to frost damage, especially during the early spring when temperatures can still drop significantly. By covering the plants, you can protect them from frost and prevent any potential damage to the flowers and developing fruits. This ensures that the fruits continue to grow and develop without any interruptions, resulting in larger and healthier strawberries.

Controlled Environment

By using covers, you can create a controlled environment for your strawberry plants. This allows you to regulate the temperature, humidity, and moisture levels, providing optimal conditions for fruit development. With the right conditions, the plants can allocate more energy towards fruit production, leading to larger and tastier strawberries.

Protection from Pests

Covering strawberries can also provide protection from pests such as birds, insects, and small mammals. These pests can damage the fruits by feeding on them or causing physical injuries. By using covers, you can create a barrier that prevents pests from accessing the fruits, thus ensuring that they remain intact and free from any external damage.

Reduced Disease Pressure

Covering strawberries can help reduce the spread of diseases that can affect the fruits. Moisture from rain or irrigation can create a favorable environment for the growth of fungal diseases. By covering the plants, you can minimize the exposure to moisture and reduce disease pressure. This results in healthier fruits that are less prone to fungal infections.

Improved Pollination

When strawberry plants are covered, it creates a protected space where pollinators such as bees can easily access the flowers. This promotes better pollination, which is essential for fruit development. Proper pollination leads to larger and more evenly shaped strawberries, as each seed in the fruit is fertilized and develops into a plump berry.

Overall, covering strawberries in early spring not only helps in achieving an earlier harvest, but also increases fruit size and quality. With protection from frost, controlled environment, pest and disease prevention, and improved pollination, you can enjoy larger and more delicious strawberries from your garden.

Reduce Disease and Pest Infestation

One of the main benefits of covering strawberries in early spring is reduced disease and pest infestation. Strawberries are vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests, and covering them can help protect them from these threats.

Disease Prevention

When strawberries are covered, it creates a barrier between the plants and potential diseases. This barrier helps prevent the spread of fungal infections, such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis).

In addition, covering the strawberries helps reduce the risk of bacterial diseases, such as angular leaf spot (Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans) and crown rot (Phytophthora cactorum). The cover prevents rain and irrigation water from splashing onto the leaves, which can transfer bacteria and pathogens.

Pest Control

Strawberries are also attractive to various pests, such as aphids, slugs, snails, and spider mites. By covering the plants, you can create a physical barrier that prevents these pests from reaching the strawberries.

Furthermore, covering strawberries can also deter birds and other animals from feeding on the fruits. Birds are particularly fond of strawberries and can cause significant damage to the crop. The cover helps keep them away, reducing the risk of fruit loss.

Overall Health and Vigor

In addition to disease and pest prevention, covering strawberries in early spring can contribute to their overall health and vigor. By providing a protected environment, the plants are less stressed and can focus their energy on growth and fruit development.

The cover also helps maintain a more consistent temperature and moisture level around the plants, creating optimal conditions for growth. This can result in healthier, stronger plants that are better equipped to resist diseases and pests.

Tip: When covering strawberries, choose a material that allows air and light to reach the plants while providing protection. Floating row covers or mesh netting are popular options.

Remember to monitor the plants regularly, remove any debris or fallen fruits, and take necessary action if any signs of diseases or pests are noticed.

Question-answer:

Why should I cover strawberries in early spring?

By covering strawberries in early spring, you can protect them from frosts and cold temperatures, which can damage the plants and delay their growth. The cover acts as a barrier, trapping heat and creating a microclimate that allows the strawberries to grow and ripen earlier.

What type of cover should I use for strawberries?

You can use a variety of covers for strawberries, such as row covers, frost blankets, or even plastic. The key is to choose a material that is breathable, yet provides enough protection from frost and cold temperatures. Row covers made of lightweight fabric or frost blankets are commonly used and easily available in gardening stores.

When should I cover my strawberries?

You should cover your strawberries in early spring, typically a few weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. This timing will vary depending on your location, so it’s best to consult a local gardening guide or talk to experienced gardeners in your area to determine the exact timing.

How long should I keep the cover on my strawberries?

You should keep the cover on your strawberries until the danger of frost has passed and the weather has warmed up enough for the plants to thrive on their own. This usually means keeping the cover on for a few weeks, but again, it depends on your specific location and the weather conditions. Monitoring the weather forecast and paying attention to the temperature trends in your area will help you make an informed decision.

What are the benefits of covering strawberries?

Covering strawberries has several benefits. Firstly, it helps protect the plants from frost and cold temperatures, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a healthy growth. Secondly, it creates a microclimate that allows the strawberries to grow and ripen earlier, giving you a 3-week head start on the harvest. Lastly, it also helps prevent pest infestations, as the cover acts as a physical barrier against insects and other pests.

Can I use any type of cover on my strawberries?

While you can use various types of covers on your strawberries, it’s important to choose a cover that is breathable and allows air circulation. This is especially crucial once the plants start flowering, as proper airflow helps with pollination. Row covers made of lightweight fabric or frost blankets are often recommended, as they provide sufficient protection while still allowing air and water to pass through.

Will covering my strawberries guarantee an earlier harvest?

While covering your strawberries can certainly help achieve an earlier harvest by creating a favorable microclimate, it’s important to note that it’s not a foolproof method. Other factors such as soil conditions, sunlight, and the specific strawberry variety you are growing can also impact the timing of the harvest. However, by covering your strawberries, you are giving them the best possible chance to grow and ripen earlier.

Video:
Prepare Your Strawberries for Spring NOW. All Climates!