[Michael D]

Hi all  i`v just started a bed,   plants are in,  all weed free,  do i cut all the leaves off and runners and   give them a feed and cover them up with straw for winter. any advice pls.

[Weston grower]

I've just prepared my strawberries for winter. I cut off all the old leaves and any runners. At the centre of the plant you will see new leaves starting for next year. Apart from that and pulling any weeds thats all I do.

If anyone can suggest what/when to add fertiliser I'd be interested to know too.

Regards WG 

[JayG]

I just tidy up old leaves, dead fruiting stems and any runners and leave them to it (no need to cover with straw which harbours slugs and encourages mould growth - they are very hardy plants and don't need protection.)

Feeding is best done in spring using a tomato-type fertiliser, or at least not a high-nitrogen fertiliser as you don't want to encourage too much leaf production. A similar liquid feed can be given after fruiting (or in between fruitings in the case of everbearing types.)

[Goosegirl]

I'm sure I have read on here that you feed them after they have fruited in order to get a good plant build up for fruiting next year.