Strawberry Runners

[JaseMac]

Hi all,

I've lots of strawberry runners that I don't know what to with, and various Internet sites have given some conflicting advice.  ???

As many of them have already rooted, can I just leave them in the ground over the winter (and hope for the best). If so, should I cover them in fleece for protection? I'm based in the West Midlands, so not too cold, but the plot isn't very well sheltered from the wind.

Or,

Should I cut them from the parent, plant them up in pots and store them for winter. I don't have a greenhouse yet (although I hope to get one over the winter) but I do have a 4x4ft cold frame.

Any advice will be very welcome!

Thanks,

Jason

[JaseMac]

[tonybloke]

strawberries are frost hardy plants. you can either leave where they are, or pot them up. no need for winter protection. ;)

[Kendy]

Can you cut from the runners and replant elsewhere in the ground to start a new row of strawberries?

I must have at least 30 good runners with half of them rooting on their own - not bad from 12 plants.

[manicscousers]

we took 98 off last year, 80 we sent through seed swap and the others went into a new row.. :)
we pegged them into small pots 'til they had roots of their own and planted them in october

[Kendy]

What about the ones which have already rooted ?  They seem really well hooked - can I just sever from main plant, dig up and plant elsewhere ?

[kt.]

What about the ones which have already rooted ?  They seem really well hooked - can I just sever from main plant, dig up and plant elsewhere ?

Yes you can.  Anytime before mid October will be fine

[Kendy]

Thanks for quick reply  :)

[PurpleHeather]

It always amazes me when people buy tons of strawberry plants then come this time of year throw away the runners. You need only a few to start off a decent patch. No need to rush.

Being a cheapskate I accept all the runners offered to me and get a great crop for free every year. In fact I go round admiring the beautiful fruits and asking for the 'spare'  runners from them, when available.

I give away lots of plants and produce too. So it is a fair swap.

To me, strawberries are very easy to grow, there is no need to be gentle . The runners, severed from the host, with hardly any root, left exposed for a day or so, will still come on after planting or potting them up, if you prefer.