when do I uncover strawberry plants?

[trunkman]

I live in zone 7b, just about 20 miles south of Charlotte NC and I'm wondering when I should uncover my strawberry plants I have in my raised bed or should I just let them grow through the 6 inches of leaves I put on them last fall, anyone have advise for me?

 

[lesa]

I usually uncover mine, when I consider it "spring". They really are very hardy- and can handle cold very well. The purpose of covering them, is to prevent them from coming out of the ground in very hard freeze. Go take a peek at them- I bet they are green and ready to go!

 

[trunkman]

Thanks Lesa, spring around here comes around the 2nd or 3rd week in spring, can't wait! From what you say I do pull the leaves off the plants or do I let them grow through?

 

[lesa]

I would get the leaves off there. I think leaving them there will only attract slugs, etc. and slow down the strawberries growth...

 

[nachoqtpie]

I didn't cover mine. Wasn't sure of I was supposed to or not. We had such a mild winter that I didn't want them rotting! They're still pretty green out there! Of course... after last nights 32 degree night and a couple of nights that have dropped into the teens... I kinda regret not covering them. :/

 

[catjac1975]

I leave the leaves in place but, try to brush aside some to allow the leaves to poke thru some. Your 6" of leaves should have compressed to much less. I find weeding strawberries the worst of all,but probably because I have so many gardens it is always hard to get to them. The leaves will deter weeds and of course add to the tilth of the soil. I am in Ma. in zone 6 so I use a crop blanket in very early spring to help warm the soil and stimulate growth. I have a much better crop when I use this. I don't know if that would be a benefit to you in your zone.

 

[vfem]

I leave mine uncovered because I'm nuts! LOL

(Ok, I just forget!)

Mine already have little buds starting to form... or they were before yesterdays now they came on unexpectedly! UGH!

 

[nachoqtpie]

I leave mine uncovered because I'm nuts! LOL

(Ok, I just forget!)

Mine already have little buds starting to form... or they were before yesterdays now they came on unexpectedly! UGH!

Shew... I'm glad you don't cover either.... I was starting to think I did something wrong!