Strawberries Strawberries Strawberries

[Justcallmemrbloom]

So I've followed the advice on growing strawberries that I found on a website

Now that I have the tarpaulin down and 8 strawberries planted (12 more going in today), I was wondering if there was any advice as to what else I need to do, or do I just sit back and let them do they're thing?

[Bigmallly]

Nope, nowt else to do except watch them flowers turn to strawberries & pick them before the birds beat you to it.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

I would advise once beginning to flower give em a right good "Splash" of potash (Tomato Feed) it really does enhance the flavour of the fruits as they develop! Honest!

[WendyC]

Is your tarpaulin waterproof? If so you are going to have to water as they aren't going to get any benefit from the rain. I grow through fabric too, but use landscape fabric which is porous. It is also black which I find more aesthetically pleasing!

[Justcallmemrbloom]

Thanks for the advice everyone. For a novice like me, it's great to be told your on the right lines.

I do agree about the black sheet looking nicer but I'm trying to do it all on a shoestring and the sheet was available for free! So far I have only spent £5 on a wheelbarrow...I'm quite excited about a greenhouse for free next week!!!

On the watering side. I virtually waterlogged the soil before covering and planting. My thoughts were that, as the water wouldn't evaporate through the sheet, there should be enough there for a while? Is it possible to overwater the soil?

[Bigmallly]

Is it possible to overwater the soil?

Not unless you live on a flood plain.

[Justcallmemrbloom]

Thanks again bigmally. I do feel I owe you a beer at some point for all the advice!!!

[Greenleaves]

Think BM would prefer bananas be aware that if you have created a nice moist environment the slugs will be in paradise

[Bigmallly]

Thanks again bigmally. I do feel I owe you a beer at some point for all the advice!!!

I may take you up on a coffee MrB...................

[Nicos]

Do be aware that overwatering atthe fruit stage will reduce their flavour

[Jay22]

I notice Deano says to feed strawberry plants with tomatoe feed. How often should I do this and can I feed raspberries too?