From Justin Ballew, Andy Rollins, and Zack Snipes
Recent cold weather reached temperatures low enough to damage strawberry plants in some parts of the state. On 1/16, we saw temperatures as low as 20 degrees (F) in the Midlands and 14 degrees (F) in the Upstate. Dormant strawberry crowns begin to experience cold damage around 18 degrees (F).
With the weekend potential for winter weather and next week’s forecast showing multiple days of sub-20 degree (F) lows over most of the state, now is the time to take some precautions to protect strawberry fields.
Row covers will provide the best protection. Last week, on a farm in the Upstate, 1.2 oz row covers kept temperatures above 19 degrees (F) under the covers, while temperatures reached 14 degrees outside. 1.5 oz covers would provide protection at even lower temps.
If low temperatures in your area are forecast to be near or below 20 degrees (F), it would be wise to get your row covers out. If possible, put row covers on during the warmest part of the day. Make sure they are tightly secured to prevent wind from beating the covers against the plants. Some foliar cold damage may still show up where row covers are sitting on the plants, but the plants will grow out of this so long as the crowns remain healthy. Making sure plants are not drought stressed before the cold occurs can help also.
Just in case cold damage occurs, take lots of photos of your fields and plants now to help show the condition of the crop prior to the cold. If you need any assistance with cold management decisions or assessing cold damage, please reach out to your local Extension Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 