As a gardener knowing when to remove straw from strawberry plants is crucial for a successful harvest. Straw acts as an insulating blanket for the plants during cold winter months. However leaving it on too long in spring can cause issues. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about removing straw mulch from your strawberry patch.
Why Do Strawberries Need Straw Mulch?
Strawberries are perennials with shallow roots This makes them susceptible to heaving during freeze-thaw cycles in winter and early spring As the ground alternately freezes and thaws, the plants can be pushed out of the soil. Exposure can dry out and kill the plants.
Applying 2-3 inches of loose straw over the plants after they go dormant provides insulation The straw moderates soil temperature fluctuations, It prevents the extremes that cause heaving and drying
Mulch also helps conserve soil moisture in summer. And it suppresses weeds that compete for water and nutrients.
When to Remove Straw Mulch From Strawberry Plants
Timing is key when taking off straw mulch. Do it too early and plants suffer cold damage. Too late and you reduce yields. Follow these guidelines for optimal timing:
-
Wait until the soil warms – Strawberries send up new growth when soil temperatures reach 40°F. Wait to remove mulch until the soil approaches this temperature.
-
Monitor plant growth – Check for new white and yellow leaves emerging from crowns. Remove mulch after 25% of plants show growth.
-
Consider last frost date – Don’t jump the gun if cold snaps are still likely. Uncover plants after your area’s average last frost date.
-
Watch weather forecasts – Time removal for stretches of mild weather. Avoid uncovering plants right before cold fronts.
-
Remove straw in stages – Take off outer mulch first, then work inward over days. Gradual exposure prevents shock.
Step-by-Step Process for Removing Straw Mulch
Follow these steps to properly remove straw mulch without harming plants:
Gather Needed Supplies
- Rake, pitchfork, leaf blower, or commercial mulch removal machine
- Wheelbarrow or tarp (for large patches)
- Garden scissors or pruning shears
Remove Mulch from Paths and Rows First
- Clear mulch from walkways and aisles between beds. This prevents compaction when maintaining the patch later.
Start Removing Mulch From Bed Edges
- Beginning at row edges, gently lift straw with rake or pitchfork.
- Work slowly inward towards crowns to prevent shock.
Blow or Rake Off Remaining Mulch
- Once outer mulch is removed, use a leaf blower or rake to take off the rest.
- Avoid excessive blowing, which can damage tender new growth.
Prune Damaged Leaves and Runners
- Carefully prune off any leaves or runners damaged during removal.
- Make cuts above live tissue with sterilized shears.
Discard Mulch
- Collect and compost or discard used straw mulch. Don’t leave it to mat down and inhibit growth.
- A tarp can help collect scattered mulch for disposal.
Caring for Strawberries After Uncovering
Your work isn’t done after removing mulch. Proper spring care ensures your strawberries get off to a strong start:
-
Water plants – Unmulched beds dry out faster. Provide 1-2″ of water per week.
-
Watch for frost – Have row covers or other protection ready in case of cold snaps.
-
Weed regularly – Remove competing weeds by hand. Mulch removal lets in more sunlight that weeds need to sprout.
-
Fertilize lightly – Apply a balanced organic fertilizer per package instructions in early spring.
-
Monitor for pests – Uncovered plants are more susceptible to slugs, snails, and other pests. Control them before they do damage.
-
Renovate beds after harvest – Removing old leaves and runners after fruiting stimulates new growth.
Common Problems When Removing Straw Mulch
Removing straw mulch at the wrong time or incorrectly can cause issues:
-
Frost damage – Exposure too early makes emerging leaves and flowers vulnerable to cold damage.
-
Delayed growth – Leaving mulch on too long in warm weather delays growth and reduces yield.
-
Leaf scorch – Removing mulch suddenly rather than gradually can “sun scorch” tender new leaves.
-
Damaged crowns – Careless mulch removal can harm the plant crown and its developing buds.
-
Compacted soil – Leaving mulch to mat down prevents air and water from penetrating soil.
-
Weed growth – Sunlight entering beds speeds germination of weed seeds in straw and soil.
Tips for a Healthy Strawberry Patch
Follow these tips throughout the season for a vibrant, productive strawberry patch:
-
Choose disease-resistant varieties suitable for your climate.
-
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil.
-
Use drip irrigation and avoid getting foliage wet.
-
Use fabric row covers at planting to conserve warmth and moisture.
-
Fertilize at planting and renovate beds after harvest.
-
Use mulch and manage weeds to prevent competition.
-
Monitor for common pests like slugs, mites, and pillbugs.
-
Harvest berries frequently and completely to encourage more fruiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal soil temperature for removing straw mulch?
Remove mulch once soils reach around 40°F. This indicates plants are coming out of dormancy and ready to actively grow.
Can I just leave the mulch in place all spring?
It’s best to remove it relatively early. Leaving straw mulch on too long once soils warm delays plant growth and reduces yields.
Should I remove all of the straw mulch at once?
No, it’s better to remove straw in stages over several days. This prevents shocking tender growth that has developed underneath.
What’s the best way to remove straw mulch from a large patch?
For big beds, a mulch blowing machine works well. Or rake mulch onto a tarp you can drag off beds. Avoid heavy foot traffic on the beds.
Can I plant a cover crop in aisles after removing mulch?
Yes, a low cover crop in aisles helps suppress weeds. Just be sure to remove it before it sets seed and re-sows itself.
Transcript: Removing Mulch from Strawberries
It’s not the purpose to protect the plants from cold. I put this straw on in December, and what I’m trying to do is to keep the temperatures from going up and down so much at the base of the strawberries. Strawberries are very shallow rooted, and if you get a lot of freezing and thawing over the winter, the plants can be heaved out of the soil. If they come out of the soil, they’ll dry out and possibly die. So, the straw is used to moderate the temperatures, not to keep the plants warmer. What you’ll want to wait for is a soil temperature at about 40 degrees. There has been research done that shows that is the correct time to take it off. If you wait too long, the plants will have reduced yield this next spring. This is a soil thermometer which is different than most thermometers. It has a metal stem. When you use this thermometer, you’ll want to push it in about that deep. The best thing to do is to come in a couple of feet from the edge of the bed, and set the thermometer into the soil. Push it in several inches and wait for it to stabilize. You can see that our thermometer is right at 40 degrees. That means that this bed is ready to be uncovered. You’ll want to leave some straw because you don’t want the berries to be sitting on bare ground. So, take off just enough for the new growth to come through the straw, and that will be fine. Around the edge of the bed, we’ll leave more straw. It give the berries protection, and it will give you a dry place to pick , even after a rain. This feature story prepared with Ward Upham, Kansas State University Research and Extension Research Assistant. For more information, visit your local county extension office or visit our website at KansasGreenYards.org.
Get more information from our weekly newsletter.