Yard and Garden: Mulching Strawberry Plants AMES, Iowa – It’s
time to think about protecting strawberry plants from the winter
elements. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension
and Outreach explain how to properly mulch strawberries to
provide protection against winter injury. To have additional
yard and garden questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at
515-294-3108 or email email@example.com. Why is it necessary to
mulch strawberries in fall? Strawberries should be mulched in
fall to prevent winter injury. Low temperatures and repeated
freezing and thawing of the soil through the winter months are
the main threats to strawberry plants. Temperatures below 20 F
may kill flower buds and damage the roots and crowns of
unmulched plants. Repeated freezing and thawing of the soil can
heave plants out of the ground, severely damaging or destroying
the plants. When should I mulch my strawberries? Allow the
strawberry plants to harden or acclimate to cool fall
temperatures before mulching the bed. Ap