How to Fertilize Strawberries
Seasonal feeding for sweet, abundant berries year after year
Quick Reference
Seasonal Fertilizing Schedule
Early Spring (Before Flowering)
Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) as new growth emerges, about 4-6 weeks before flowering. This supports leaf development and flower bud formation. Apply 1 lb per 100 square feet.
During Flowering & FruitingNo Fertilizer!
Do not fertilize while plants are flowering or producing fruit. Nitrogen during this time causes soft, bland berries and increases disease risk. Wait until harvest is complete.
After Harvest (Renovation)
After the last harvest, apply balanced fertilizer to support runner development and next year's flower buds. This is also when you renovate (mow and thin) June-bearing varieties.
Fall (Before Dormancy)
Apply a light fertilizer application in early fall to support root development before winter. Use lower nitrogen (5-10-10) or just compost. Stop 6 weeks before hard frost.
Strawberry Types & Feeding
June-Bearing
- • One large harvest in early summer
- • Follow the 3-feeding schedule above
- • Renovate and fertilize after harvest
- • Fall feeding prepares next year's buds
Everbearing/Day-Neutral
- • Produce berries throughout season
- • Light, frequent feeding preferred
- • Use diluted fertilizer monthly
- • Skip during peak fruiting periods
Best Fertilizers for Strawberries
Organic Options
- • Compost - Excellent for annual topdressing
- • Aged manure - Work in before planting
- • Fish emulsion - Liquid feeding (diluted)
- • Blood meal - Nitrogen boost in spring
- • Bone meal - Phosphorus for fruiting
Synthetic Options
- • 10-10-10 - Balanced, for spring
- • Berry-specific fertilizer - Formulated for berries
- • 5-10-10 - Lower N for fall
- • Slow-release granular - Convenient
- • Water-soluble - For containers
Common Mistakes
- • Fertilizing during fruiting - Causes soft, flavorless berries
- • Too much nitrogen - Lots of leaves, few berries
- • Fertilizer touching crowns - Can burn and kill plants
- • Late fall fertilizing - Encourages tender growth that winter-kills
First-Year Strawberries
New strawberry plants need special handling:
- At planting: Mix compost into soil, no strong fertilizers
- First 6 weeks: Light liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- First flowers: Pinch off to strengthen roots (hard but worth it!)
- Late summer: Regular feeding to establish plants
- Year two: Full production and normal fertilizing schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I fertilize strawberries?
Fertilize strawberries three times per year: early spring (as growth begins), after harvest (to support runner development), and in fall (for root development). Avoid fertilizing during flowering and fruiting.
What's the best fertilizer for strawberries?
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring, then switch to lower nitrogen after harvest. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during fruiting as they reduce berry sweetness and cause soft fruit.
Can you over-fertilize strawberries?
Yes! Over-fertilizing causes excessive foliage, soft and bland berries, increased disease susceptibility, and reduced fruit production. Strawberries are moderate feeders - don't overdo it.
Should I fertilize strawberries in their first year?
In the first year, focus on establishment. Light feeding is fine, but it's more important to pinch off flowers to help plants develop strong roots. Full fertilizing starts in year two.