[MalcW]

Hi all. A plot neighbour has offered us some strawberry plants from his plot, but ideally wants them moved fairly quickly. I'm hoping to go and do so this evening. Is there anything special I need to do? Many thanks.

[surbie100]

Not really - they are very tough plants and we seem to be set for mostly mild weather through to late October.

I cleaned all the soil off mine and put them in fresh potting compost, just in case there were any nasties in the roots. I did find a few eggs in there and squished them all, plus a few maggotty shaped things, also squished.

If they aren't runners, it might help to find out how old they are. I split up all the big plants I had, and that seems to have rejuvenated them.

[MalcW]

OK, thanks Surbie100, I'll check that. The current owner of said strawberries said I need to cut the leaves off them - is that right? Thanks again.

[surbie100]

That I don't know. I haven't ever. I hope someone will be along soon who knows more...

[mumofstig]

I don't 
Make sure you don't plant them deeper than they were, and don't plant them where you grew potatoes this year

[Sparkyrog]

I don't 
Make sure you don't plant them deeper than they were, and don't plant them where you grew potatoes this year

That's a new on me mum what's the reason for that ?

[mumofstig]

I did that a few years ago and most of them died, so I started to look for reasons why. I found many sites giving the same advice
eg

do not grow in the same site as potatoes were grown previously, as they may pick up a virus from the spuds.

http://www.doctorgreenfingers.co.uk/Growing_Vegetables_help_advice/Growing-strawberries.html

[Sparkyrog]

Interesting I had never heard of that .

[MalcW]

I don't 
Make sure you don't plant them deeper than they were, and don't plant them where you grew potatoes this year

We only took on the plot this summer (late July) and there was no sign of any potatoes (is that legal on an allotment?). The spot I have in mind was previously occupied by very overgrown beetroot. Hopefully that will be OK.

[surbie100]

Had never heard of that either MoS. Nice nugget of info to file somewhere!

[gobs]

Oh, yes. They are one of those plants too, who also harbour club root without showing signs. You have to plant them separate.

No, only dead leaves and runners off and indeed as Mum says, let me emphasize: do plant crown at ground level.

[MalcW]

OK, thanks to everyone for their help. The strawberries were moved yesterday evening, in accordance with all of your advice. Exciting times; it means I've actually planted something on the plot, rather than just clearing it.

[lazza]

The leaves will die over winter, so i usually strip off the larger leaves late autumn, and then tidy up in the early Spring. I also read about not planting where you have grown potatoes or tomatoes because of transferable disease, but then again I also read you shouldn't replant strawberries in the same raised bed when you come to replace them, but I have done that, and all seems OK (although I did replace the soil in the bed).

[azubah]

Oh, yes. They are one of those plants too, who also harbour club root without showing signs. You have to plant them separate.

That really surprised me, but it appears to be true.
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Crucifers_Clubroot.htm

[Yorkie]

Eee, you learn summat every day