This strawberry fertilizer works wonders: Use it while they bloom for big, sweet berries

As summer begins, strawberry growers face the crucial question of how to fertilize their plants during the flowering stage. This period is vital for influencing the size and sweetness of the upcoming harvest. One highly effective method involves using boric acid, which many gardeners consider the best fertilizer for strawberries, consistently yielding exceptionally large and sugary berries.

Growers have developed a specific formula: dissolve 1 teaspoon of boric acid (or 2 grams of powder) in 10 liters of water. It is crucial to spray this solution directly onto the leaves, rather than watering the soil. Applying it to each bush until the leaves are moist is recommended. For best results, this procedure should be performed on a cloudy day to prevent the plants from burning.

For those who prefer chemical fertilizers, preparations rich in potassium are advised once flowers appear. Effective options include potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, or potassium monophosphate. These are prepared by dissolving one tablespoon of the chosen product in 10 liters of water. Apply half a liter of this mixture to each bush, being careful not to exceed the dosage, which can cause yellowing and rotting of the leaves.

Organic fertilizers are generally not recommended during the flowering and fruiting stages due to their typically lower potassium content. However, a traditional folk remedy for those avoiding chemicals is wood ash. Dissolve one glass of ash in a liter of boiling water, let it steep overnight, then dilute it with 10 liters of warm water. Water each bush with 500 milliliters of this solution.

It is equally important to know what not to use. During flowering and fruit ripening, avoid nitrogen-heavy organic fertilizers like manure or humus. While beneficial for leaf development, excess nitrogen leads to lush foliage at the expense of small, flavorless berries. Additionally, standard insecticides should not be used on flowering plants, as they can harm essential pollinators like bees, which are necessary for fruit development.