[andy dewar]

Hi folks iv just potted up over 50 strawberry plants that iv grown from runners and i dont know how to over winter them ,they are in my greenhouse at the moment and the plan is to give them to other allotment holders when time is right ,any advise would be appreciated 
Thanks Andy

[Sparkyrog]

Put them outside 

[wil4025]

All outside they are very hardy plants and recover easy.

[Beetroot queen]

Dont pander to them get them outdoors  bit of cold wont hurt them 

[Asherweef]

Is it correct that we should cut all foliage off at the moment as per gardeners world?

[JayG]

Strawberries are best kept "tidy", as in removing dead or dying leaves, if only to avoid providing hiding places for woodlice and slugs etc.

Don't recall the GW episode you are referring to, but I don't see the sense in removing all the leaves (especially if they are everbearers, which should produce at least one more flush of berries this year, but won't do that without any leaves.)

[Asherweef]

Hi JayG - I thought it seemed a little odd too. It was last Fridays and Monty cut all foliage off for new growth to appear...

[mikem]

I always cut all the growth off after they have finished fruiting, feed them with chicken manure pellets and give them a water if necessary.  They get new leaves fairly quickly and I think that it does help to clear up all the dead bits and pieces and the grass that always seems to find a place to grow amongst the plant.

[andy dewar]

Thanks all its the great outdoors for them 

[Sparkyrog]

If you straw your strawberries best thing to do is set fire to it 

[gavinjconway]

Andy is there a reason you cant plant them out now to get strong for next years growth?

[MickyB]

If you straw your strawberries best thing to do is set fire to it 

Really or just joking?

[Asherweef]

I always cut all the growth off after they have finished fruiting, feed them with chicken manure pellets and give them a water if necessary.  They get new leaves fairly quickly and I think that it does help to clear up all the dead bits and pieces and the grass that always seems to find a place to grow amongst the plant.

Monty also started to plant the runners at the same time... Is that wise if the plant also needs to grow more foliage though? I've just been planting my runners all summer in an effort to increase stock for next year.

[gavinjconway]

Harvest your runners in the ground or in pots, snip them off when they have about 4 leaves and then tidy up the old big leaves from the plants leaving the crown and a few good new leaves. After winter you need to tidy up all the dead and brown wintered leaves again.

[Sparkyrog]

If you straw your strawberries best thing to do is set fire to it 

Really or just joking?

Farmer told me that over 30 years ago it helps reduce pests and disease's. I have not tried it myself as I rarely grow strawberries and if I do now its through membrane .