When to put straw around strawberrys?

When should I put straw under and around my strawberries? Some of my plants are in flower now. My raspberries share the same bed. Would it hurt them to put straw around them too? Thanks guys

 

yes, i would add some now. when i planted mine. i was told to use straw as soon as i planted. also if its the plants first year remove any blooms, so next year you'll get a better crop.

 

oh and yes, you can use a mulch of straw to keep weeds at bay, with raspberries

 

straw is mainly used with strawberries. to help keep slugs away. mainly.(i think) and to protect fruit. but with raspberries, its more of a weed prevention.

 

your welcome

 

with strawberries there is also another issue, that they tend to root and form another plant as soon as a sprig touches the ground, so something is needed to keep them "in order"...