The early strawberry season has ended, and although we might have been a little disappointed with the size—Cornell researchers theorize that this was because of frost and a very dry spring—most of our member farms were satisfied with their crop yields, if not the profusion of SWD that came on strong after a brief delay.
If you grow June-bearing strawberries, crop renovation is an essential, yet often overlooked, task—especially with the population of SWD still. Remember to remove leftover fruit, which can be a breeding ground for the pest, cut back on mowing if the hot temperatures persist, and cover the crowns with ½ inch of soil.
For a step-by-step guide to renovating strawberries, visit the Cornell blog.