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Date: May 1989 (Revised April 1995)
Source: NDSU Extension Service Horticulturists
Mulch strawberries to protect them from winter injury. Apply a mulch when the temperature drops to about 20 degrees for several days in a row or several times in a week. The rule of thumb is to mulch after the soil is frozen to a depth of one-half inch. Here in North Dakota this usually occurs in mid to late November.
Don't apply mulch after several warm, sunny days. If you mulch during warm weather, the plants may start growing again. Then the plants can be severely damaged when the weather turns cold.
Loose bulky material such as hay or wheat straw makes good mulch. Avoid sawdust and leaves because they pack too tightly and smother the plants.
Apply enough mulch so it is three to four inches thick after settling. Watering the mulch lightly will help settle it and reduce loss from wind.
Remove the mulch in the spring when new growth from the crown (plant center) is slightly yellowish. Place mulch between the rows to keep weeds down and reduce soil moisture loss. Leave some mulch between plants to keep berries off the soil and to conserve soil moisture.
If you have further questions, please contact your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.
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