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
strawberries are frost hardy plants. you can either leave where they are, or pot them up. no need for winter protection. ;)
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.
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
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 ?
Quote from: Kendy on September 16, 2008, 15:54:37
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
Thanks for quick reply :)
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.