[Fisherman]

I read somewhere recently that when Strawberry's have finished fruiting that all the foliage should be cut back to allow new foliage to grow. Is this correct?

My plants are 2 years old so I will grow new plants from runners next year as again I have read somewhere that after 3 years the crop starts to deteriorate. The variety is Honeoye  and produced a very good crop this year. Pity I was on holiday at the time but the rest of the family and friends enjoyed them 


 

[Trillium]

Strawberries are short-lived perennials, but they try to keep going by runners.

That's correct about the leaves, but its really the larger, older leaves you need to clip out rather than the new young leaves coming from the crown. The older ones are finished and will soon die off anyway so best to just trim them so new growth can get proper sun and nutrients.

It's also the time to feed the plants so they'll be ready for next year. Blood, fish and bonemeal (BFB) and manure are good basics, as well as regular watering if you're short on rain. How they're treated this year determines berry size for next year.

As for runners, its best to keep only the first runner and cut off any young wannabes as this will only strain the main plant and it won't produce as many or as large berries next year. By the 4th year the main plant is going downhill and its up to the individual whether to take out and replace it entirely or try to press for one more year, which will not be as plentiful. If you do pull out the old plants, you'll need to thoroughly weed and feed the bed if you want to put new runners in there.

I grew Honeye this year as well and it gave a nice yield.

[digalotty]

as above ,    good advise given

[backyardbodger]

Two runners off each plant seems ok, I peg 'em down into pots of compost and leave for a couple of weeks before severing the umbilical cord.  Cut the big leaves back and leave the crown, adding a mulch of pine straw can be useful.

My young plants live on the kitchen windowsill over the winter and are then used to replace the tired 3- and 4- year-old plants.  Think of your plot in three equal-sized areas and aim to replenish one third each year, ensuring a continuous supply.