Ask Anna – October 2025 Questions

Happy October!

This month, we are answering the question “Hi Anna, I have a patch of strawberries in my garden, and I want to make sure they survive the winter and give me a good harvest next year. What steps should I take in the fall to prepare them? ”

Great question! Strawberries are hardy perennials, and with the right fall prep, they’ll reward you with vigorous growth and bigger harvests come spring. Here’s a simple step-by-step plan:

Clean Up the Patch

First things first—give your strawberry patch a little TLC! After your plants have finished fruiting, take the time to remove any weeds, dead leaves, and debris. This not only helps keep your garden looking tidy but also prevents pests and diseases from overwintering in your patch. If your plants have sent out a lot of runners, it’s a good idea to thin them out. Keep only the healthiest young plants you want to root for next season to avoid overcrowding.

Prune the Foliage

Next up, it’s time for a little haircut! Prune the strawberry leaves down to about an inch above the crown (the heart of the plant) to encourage healthy, disease-free regrowth before winter. Just be careful not to cut into the crown itself! Once you’ve finished trimming the foliage, take a moment to rake away the old leaves. A clean slate will help the plants hibernate better through the cold months.

Feed the Soil

Strawberries are hungry plants, and fall is the perfect time to give them a nutrient boost! Fertilize your patch with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or mix in some compost. This will help your plants develop strong roots that can withstand the winter’s chill. A little extra food will go a long way toward ensuring a vigorous growing season next spring!

Mulch for Winter

Protection As the temperatures begin to drop and the ground starts to freeze, it’s vital to protect your strawberry plants. Cover them with 3–4 inches of clean straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves. Mulching not only insulates the crowns but also prevents frost heaving and shields the roots from temperature fluctuations.

By taking these simple steps—cleaning, pruning, feeding, and mulching —you’re setting your strawberries up for a successful winter nap. With a bit of fall effort, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, sweet berries that will bring a smile to your face next spring.

If you have gardening questions or need advice, feel free to reach out! You can send your questions to me at [email protected] with the subject line “Ask Anna,” and I’ll happily feature your questions in next month’s NewsMagazine.

Stop by Harvest at 2405 Vincent Massey Drive and also at 75 Cornwall Centre Road to pick up your copy of the Seeker each month!