When should I mulch my strawberries?

Question:

When should I mulch my strawberries?

Answer:

Strawberries should be mulched in fall to prevent winter injury.  Excellent mulching materials include clean, weed-free straw and chopped cornstalks.  Apply 3 to 5 inches of material.  After settling, the depth of the mulch should be approximately 2 to 4 inches. 

Allow the strawberry plants to harden or acclimate to cool fall temperatures before mulching the bed.  In northern Iowa, strawberry plantings are normally mulched in early November.  Gardeners in central and southern Iowa should mulch their strawberries in mid-November and late November, respectively.