High nitrogen fertilizer encourages leaf growth. We use fertilizer with a high middle number, which encourages bloom.
We have a huge strawberry bed and are picking a quart or so a day at the start of the season. Later we’ll have to invite friends to come and pick. We can only use so many berries. We also mulch with straw and use netting to discourage the birds.
Forgot to add the variety we plant. It’s a June bearer named Honoye. The berries are large and flavorful. We end up with gallons in the freezer and lots to share with friends.