[teflon]

I bought a couple of strawberry plants  in the week,ready to plant probably tomorrow.
 Is it best to grow them straight in the soil or a growbag or even a container?
  Also i was told today that its best not to take any fruit for the first year but leave it & then "split the plant"?
  Can someone enlighten me please?
  Cheers
  Tel.

[Lady Lottie]

I didn't think you split strawberry plants....I thought you used the runners to increase the plants...they produce runners which produce roots, you can either cut them off to keep the plant individual or allow them to keep growing to form a longer and longer row.but I am a total novice sooooooo....and also, I think it depends very much on the variety how long you can expect it to fruit, how often and when.  Does that help...?  at all....?

[Lady Lottie]

PS - yes you can grow in containers...they just need regular watering....apparently...according to Hessayson - his book Fruit Expert might help you if you are planning on growing lots of different fruits?  So....growbags?  Why not? I say.  Best of luck anyway.

[richyrich7]

And don't plant them too deep the crown needs to be at/on soil level

[sclarke624]

I grow mine in troughs.  Never heard of splitting the summer bearing plants.   Although I did find this about alpine varities.........."These plants, often grown from seed or divisions (rather than from runners or dormant plants), "

If planted in April you are supposed to take the flowers off and not let it fruit so as to establis the root system.  If planted in September its ok to let it fruit.  I have to say though I let mine fruit the first year who can resist.

HTH
Useful site
http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_february_2_strawberry.asp

[teflon]

Thanks to all.