It is about that time to cover strawberry plants. Did you know strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside? When the first hard frost occurs, usually late Nov or early Dec, layer 4 inches of straw over the plants to protect them from the wind and elements.
In early September, apply 10-10-10 fertilizer around the strawberries.
We have several strawberry plants which were started in spring – many made it, many did not.
Doug
My wife has been waiting forever for cherry tomatoes. Finally harvest time is here. I have been out several times to the single plant we have and brought back several dozen cherry tomatoes each trip.
The cherry tomato plant has branched out and is about 6 feet across – at least that was today. It has been fertilized with 12-12-12 when the fruit began to appear. We have had several rains of around an inch so the plant has got deep root watering.
I had to hand water it a few times earlier. Before watering, I break up the soil crust with a hoe, watching that I do not go too deep. The idea is to get the soil loose enough so the water soaks in rather than runs off. It is a good idea to break the soil crust every few days just in case it rains but also important is to let air in.
DtG Doug the Gardener