How to Protect New Strawberry Plants Through Winter?

sujsuj

Earlier this year, I had over 10 strawberry plants producing fruit. I used nets to protect them from birds and placed hardboard to reduce weeds. Last year, I didn’t prune the plants before winter, but they survived and propagated into 30+ plants. I plan to prune the original 10+ plants before winter.

Recently, 20+ new plants have emerged from runners and are still small, with just 3-4 leaves each. What steps should I take to help these new plants survive winter? Will mulching be enough, or are there additional tips to consider? Thanks!

bex2012

You dont need to protect them, they will be fine. If the runners have rooted, just snip the runner from the mother plant. 

Ive been growing strawberries for 15+ years and have never done anything more than net them, and remove old, tatty leaves come spring.

sujsuj

bex2012 said:

You dont need to protect them, they will be fine. If the runners have rooted, just snip the runner from the mother plant. 

Ive been growing strawberries for 15+ years and have never done anything more than net them, and remove old, tatty leaves come spring.

new small plants in second pic planted 1 month ago only. will they still survive winter? as you can see none of them planted in pots.

bex2012

If you have any horticultural fleece or straw, you could cover the plants in that, if you so wished. Personally I wouldnt bother, but im a hard, mean gardener.

Section62

sujsuj said:

bex2012 said:

You dont need to protect them, they will be fine. If the runners have rooted, just snip the runner from the mother plant. 

Ive been growing strawberries for 15+ years and have never done anything more than net them, and remove old, tatty leaves come spring.

new small plants in second pic planted 1 month ago only. will they still survive winter? as you can see none of them planted in pots.

Yes, as bex2012 says, they will be fine.  They are remarkably hardy and can put up with abuse that other plants wouldn't survive.

FreeBear

If in doubt, pot up a few of the runners and overwinter them indoors. You could also try covering the plants left outside with a thick layer of straw.

twopenny

You shouldn't let them fruit next year - but use that time for growth.

I've never followed that rule but then I'm not fussy about the quality of fruit. It rarely makes it to the kitchen as I eat while I'm gardening

Slinky

You could help the new plants by clearing out the weeds, and I'd get rid of those stones personally too.