[wrinkly1]

is it all right to plant strawberrys in a polytunnel at this time of year.do you have to pollinate by hand when flower sets.and is it worth it what is the fruit like. compared to outside plants.  so many questions so little clue. all help with thanks   WRINKLY1

[Goosegirl]

They're pretty hardy plants so should be ok in a cold polytunnel. If you leave the door open, insects will get in and pollinate them. Not sure re- how they perform in there as opposed to outside.

[wrinkly1]

thanks goosegirl. never grew them before so am in the dark.

[harrymac]

I've had strawberry plants in the polytunnel and had no issues with pollination. That's with an opening of less than a square metre at one end and fine mesh at the other. The mesh was to allow air in but not hens!

I guess if you have an early flowering variety that is coaxed into flowering too early for the pollinators, a cotton bud should take care of the pollination.

[adri123]

Strawbs in the PT do well.  Just make sure you water enough and watch out for the dreaded slugs.

You'll have a super early and delicious crop if the right care is taken.

I put mine in pots hung from the crop bars to escape slug damage.

Adri

[J_B]

 

[sunshineband]

Enough bees to seem to find their way into our greenhouse through the partly open door to pollinate the plants.

Keeping the pots up n the staging does reduce slug damage, and this year I am trying some in hanging baskets too.

When the plants have finished fruiting they will be back outside until next Spring .. I just need to remember to water them!