[MickyB]

I have taken loads of runners off my strawberries ready for planting next year (once I have cleared the spring crops) what would be the best sized pot to leave them in until then? Should I put them in the greenhouse during the winter?

[Kirpi]

That's a question I was going to post.

I have some in pots I layered the runners into and some I have taken out of their pots now and have transplanted into troughs ready for next year. Plans to place them in a sheltered part of the garden until next spring.

Open to more experienced advice.

[allotmentann]

I potted into 4 inch pots last year, left on the patio over winter and they all survived quite happily. 

[gavinjconway]

3-4" are fine. I did mine a few years ago in 3-4" and left them behind the shed and GH.. Dont molly coddle them - they need cold to grow properly.

[RJR_38]

Most of my strawberry runners rooted themselves just where I wanted them. Can I just leave them where they are and do I need to protect the strawberries with anything over the winter?

[Nobbie]

Most of my strawberry runners rooted themselves just where I wanted them. Can I just leave them where they are and do I need to protect the strawberries with anything over the winter?

No,

they're tough as old boots as long as they don't get waterlogged

[MickyB]

Thanks for the advise 

[Sparkyrog]

may want to put some in GH or PT in Jan though 

[snowdrops]

Would be better to plant them where you want them if you can,then you can let them bear a few fruit next year. I pot some runners in to hanging baskets kept for that purpose ready for forcing in the greenhouse. I revitalise spent tomato compost with chicken pellets. leave outside for the worst of the winter then take in about Feb/March & gradually increase watering.

[RJR_38]

Great, thanks for that

[MickyB]

Would be better to plant them where you want them if you can,then you can let them bear a few fruit next year.

A few fruit? Do you have to ease them in the first year?

[BobE]

Is it true that they should be replaced after 3 years?  If so can new ones be grown from the old ones to eventually replace them?

[Sparkyrog]

you can go to 4 years Bob but replacing at 3 is best ! and yes runners of the old plants are fine 

[BobE]

you can go to 4 years Bob but replacing at 3 is best ! and yes runners of the old plants are fine 

Brilliant Sparky, thanks for that.

[snowdrops]

Would be better to plant them where you want them if you can,then you can let them bear a few fruit next year.

A few fruit? Do you have to ease them in the first year?

It depends when you plant them,if it's late in the season they need to put roots down just like any other fruit bush. That's why I suggested plant them where you want them as soon as possible so you don't end up with week plants. they have to work hard for 3/4 years to give you lots of fruit.