When leaves are small and petioles short, as might occur during fall establishment, it makes sense to increase the sample size. When collecting tissue samples, be sure to detach the petioles from the leaves in the field. Samples handled this way will give a more accurate nutrient analysis. Leaf blades are analyzed for 11 essential plant elements plus sodium. Petioles, however, provide data on nitrate nitrogen concentration.
Grower prepares a strawberry tissue sample by separating the leaf from the petiole.
Paper envelopes for mailing tissue samples are available from the Agronomic Division office in Raleigh, your area regional agronomist and some cooperative extension offices. You can use your own mailing envelopes, but do not mail tissue samples in a plastic bag. They will rot. When filling out the Plant Analysis Information Sheet, provide all pertinent data including planting date, fertilization history, environmental conditions, appearance and strawberry variety. Be specific when describing any problems with appearance or growth.