Strawberry fertiliser Baltic Agro, 1 kg

• Type: granular complete feed for soft fruit, high in potassium
• Producer: Baltic Agro
• Pack: 1 kg
• Rate: 1 kg ≈ 25 m²
• At planting: 50 g/m², mixed into the soil
• In season: 8–10 g (1 tsp) per plant
• First feed: late April – early May
• Second feed: right after picking ends
• From mid-August: switch to an autumn feed
• For: strawberry, raspberry, currant, gooseberry, blueberry and other soft fruit
• How: scatter around the plants, work into the soil, then water

Twice a year, no more. First in late April as the leaves start, then right after picking ends — that is when strawberries set next year's flower buds. A third feed in midsummer gives nothing but leaf.

Stop in August. From mid-August use only an autumn feed. Nitrogen now pushes growth and the plant enters winter soft — the result in spring is a frozen crown.

How to apply. Scatter in a ring around the plant, never into the crown. Work it in lightly and water. Granules on dry soil burn roots.

At planting. Mix 50 g per square metre into the soil before setting the plants. Do not put granules into the hole onto the roots.

Mulch helps. Straw or wood chip holds moisture, keeps the berries off the soil and reduces grey mould. Feed under the mulch, not on top of it.

Watch out for. Overfeeding gives big leaves and small berries. Dark, lush foliage with few flowers means too much nitrogen — skip the next feed.