[chili]

i am only a novice so still need loads of advice

i aquired some strawberry plants today from an old couple who are vacating their full plot and just keeping thier half plot anyhow, not really been prepared i found a patch of earth for them and planted them direct into the ground, they are covered with net. plants look quite healthy.
a. are they likely to survive been dug up having roots disturbed  and replanted?
b. do i need to cover with straw? if so would for example petshop straw do?

compost/manure next:- what are the alternatives to horse muck based manure, would mushroom compost be any good. i do not have any rotted veg type compost at hand i do have a small amount of grass cutting well rotted with a few old veg leaves in it, would this be ok to use at all?

many thanks

[monkeywobbler]

Hola! Regarding the strawberries - They will be fine, be sure to save any runners they put out.
They don't need straw - it helps when they're fruiting to stop mud splashes and so on, but not strictly necessary. Although if you can get hold of a cheap bale (I wouldn't splash out on pet shop stuff as it's expensive), then go for it.
Another way of protecting the fruit is to spread out your grass clippings until completely dried and then use them instead of the straw. Make sure they're totally dry though.

Someone more compost savvy will be along shortly I expect - although I do have a habit of killing a thread dead 

[Yorkie]

Re. manure, yes in principle what you suggest is fine.  Just be aware that mushroom compost is quite alkaline so don't use it where acid-lovers such as blueberries or camellias are.

[chili]

many thanks, we have plenty stables round here so will have to see if i can get a cheap bale