After pruning, always remove any clippings from the bed either by composting or disposing of them. Always make sure to fertilize and water the plants after you clear the debris as it can help give enough energy and nutrients to form new buds and crops. To ensure maximum fruit production the following year, make sure to give the plants at least one inch of water a week after you move them up until the first frost. When you’ve collected the last harvest and mowed back the plants, place a layer of mulch on top of the plants to protect them against the cold winter. Low temperatures can damage roots and crowns, leading to little to no yield the following spring. The best mulch to use is clean hay or straw as they won’t mat down and smother the plants.