Should I fertilize my June-bearing strawberries in spring?

Question:

Should I fertilize my June-bearing strawberries in spring?

Answer:

Established plantings of June-bearing strawberries should not be fertilized in spring.  Spring fertilization stimulates foliar growth, produces softer berries, and increases disease problems.  Lush, vegetative growth may make picking difficult.  Also, soft berries are more likely to be attacked by fruit rots.  As a result, a spring fertilizer application may actually reduce the fruit yield. 

Fertilizer should be applied to June-bearing strawberries during the renovation process immediately after the last harvest of the season.  Apply approximately 5 pounds of 10-10-10 or a similar analysis fertilizer per 100 feet of row.