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Overwintering strawberries.

Womble54Womble54 Posts: 348
in Fruit & veg
I’ve kept strawberry plants overwinter for the first time. I grew them in a big bin with holes cut in the sides. Then just covered them over at the start of winter with a tarp.

I had a peek and I think they’re still alive. Can anyone advise when is best to uncover them. We’re in London.

I guess I need to trim off all the dead leaves and give them a top-feed. But any advice beyond that would be great. I’ve heard they are more productive second year, so fingers crossed. 

Thanks

Posts

  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    They are quite hardy so there was no point in covering them with a tarp. Trim and feed as you have said and they will be fine. Keep an eye out for vine weevil as they love strawberries in containers.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've never covered any strawberries either. Even ones in tiny pots are left to deal with all the weather here. Like cockroaches and Cher, they can survive nuclear attacks  :)

    Unfortunately, covering them like that will cause more problems than it solves. Plants need air and light to thrive.
    You'll probably be able to take runners from them later in the year too, which gives you new stock to grow on and replace the existing ones.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Womble54Womble54 Posts: 348
    Thanks. I’ll uncover them and get trimming. Hopefully tucking them up over winter hasn’t caused any problems. 

    I cut all the runners off last summer and was planning to pot some on this year. Will the original plants fruit for a 3rd year?
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I rather think that's the point @philippa smith2  :D

    Bless her wee nipped and tucked face. I remember when she still had a round face and a nose to go with it....  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Adey.Adey. Posts: 25
    Fairygirl said:
    I've never covered any strawberries either. Even ones in tiny pots are left to deal with all the weather here. Like cockroaches and Cher, they can survive nuclear attacks  :)

    Unfortunately, covering them like that will cause more problems than it solves. Plants need air and light to thrive.
    You'll probably be able to take runners from them later in the year too, which gives you new stock to grow on and replace the existing ones.  :)
    :smiley:Like cockroaches and Cher" ha ha ha - that has tickled me that!
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