Hi, I remember seeing a post sometime ago saying that strawberries are quite hardy and should be alright to go through the winter left out. I have loads of plants in pots and hanging baskets which I cut down September (ish) and look healthy enough except some of the leaves are turning red. Is this ok, or is the cold getting to them. I have a small unheated greenhouse, should I put them all in there???
QuoteI have a small unheated greenhouse, should I put them all in there
I would!
Strawberries in pots/baskets are not as hardy as those in the ground.
The root system is more exposed to frost and freezing compared to those planted in the ground.
Be careful with watering (if any) but don't let them dry out completely.
Thanks Tee Gee, I will put them in tonight and wrap bubble wrap around the bases of the pots.
Sam x
I've left hanging baskets of strawberries out over winter before and they have been ok, however if you do put them in the greenhouse you should get earlier fruit.
Putting them in a greenhouse is ok but whitefly are a bit of a pest and watering is a problem.
Why not sink the pots and baskets into the soil and after cutting all the old foliage off, spread some compost or manure over them and let the worms drag it into the said pots and baskets over the winter. Frost will not harm them and will even kill off a few unwanted guests.
me, I'd also sink the pots in the ground. strawbs don't like being dry, and greenhouses aren't ideal for them.
They are very hardy plants during the winter but the flowers aren't so hardy when they burst into life in spring. Position strawberries where they have least risk of frost. The highest ground is always the best.
Frost damage will occur if the temperature drops below -2°C or -4°C in the spring if new growth has started.
That's a reason why we leave a good head of leaves on them over winter, to protect the crown a bit.