3 Things To Do With Strawberry Plants in Pots at End of Season

The first step in caring for your strawberry plants at the end of the season is to remove them from their pots and replace the soil with fresh soil. Leaving them in the same soil can lead to disease and pests. In very cold regions it is best to bring strawberry pots into a protected space like a garage or basement. This will stop them from being damaged by frost or snow.

Cutting back your strawberry plants for winter is also important. This should ideally be done in the late fall after the last summer-fruiting strawberries have been harvested. This will help direct the plant’s energy back into their roots and create space for new shoots to develop before it goes into dormancy. Removing all dead leaves and trimmings will also help prevent disease and pests.

Key Takeaways

  • Properly caring for your strawberry plants at the end of the season can ensure that they come back strong and healthy the following year.
  • Remove old straw mulch and prune any dying or dead leaves to promote healthy overwintering.
  • Mulch your plants and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer to assist them in getting ready for winter.

How to Prepare Strawberry Plants for End of Season

Check out these easy steps to prepare your strawberries at the end of season.

1. Clear Out Old Growth

The first step in preparing your strawberry plants for the end of the season is to clear out any old growth. Use sharp, clean secateurs to remove old leaves, stems and fruit and pop them in your compost bin.

Clearing out old growth will help to prevent disease and pests from taking hold in your plants, and will also help to promote healthy growth in the future.

2. Prune the Strawberry Runners

After clearing out old growth, it is important to prune your strawberry plants. Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and can also help to increase the yield of your plants.

Simply cut back any old or dead growth, as well as any runners that have grown too long. Be sure to leave a few healthy leaves on each plant to help it survive the winter.

3. Store Strawberry Plants for the Winter

If you have strawberry plants in pots and you get very cold winters you need to take some steps to prepare and store them. Here are some tips on how to store your strawberry plants for winter.

1. Select the Right Container

Select a container for your strawberry plants that is large enough to hold the plant’s root system. A container that is too small will restrict the plant’s growth, and it may not survive the winter.

Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Additionally, make sure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.

2. Choose the Right Soil Mix

The soil mix you use for your strawberry plants should be well-draining and nutrient-rich. Use a mix of potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. This will provide the plants with the nutrients they need to survive the winter. Avoid using garden soil, as it may contain pests or diseases that can harm your plants.

3. Put the Strawberry Plants in the New Containers

Dig out your strawberry plants, shake off the excess soil and place them in the new pots. Push the soil around the roots and press it down. Make sure you avoid putting soil over the crown of the strawberries as this can cause rot.

4. Place the container in a cool, dark space

When storing your strawberry plants over winter, place the containers in a cool, dark location such as a garage or basement. Make sure the location is well-ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Additionally, cover the plants with a layer of mulch or straw to protect them from the cold.

5. Add small amounts of water

During the winter months, your strawberry plants will require less water than they do during the growing season. Water the plants only when the soil is dry to the touch. You will not need to fertilize the plants over winter as their growth slows.

6. Provide Adequate Light and Water

During the winter, strawberry plants go dormant and don’t need as much light and water as they do during the growing season. However, they still need some light and water to survive. Place the pots near a window or under grow lights to provide them with enough light.

7. Monitor the Plants for Pests and Diseases

Even though strawberry plants are dormant during the winter, they can still be affected by pests and diseases. Here are some things to watch out for:

  • Check the plants regularly for signs of pests, such as spider mites or aphids.
  • If you notice any pests, treat the plants with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
  • Watch out for signs of fungal diseases, such as gray mold or powdery mildew. If you notice any, remove the affected leaves and treat the plants with a fungicide.

By following these tips, you can overwinter your strawberry plants in pots and enjoy fresh strawberries next year.

Conclusion

Taking care of your strawberry plants in pots is essential if you want strong plants and lots of fruit the next year. Remember to remove any dead leaves or debris from the pot and prune the plants to remove any damaged or diseased parts. Give them small amounts of water and sunlight over winter until spring arrives.

If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider covering your outdoor strawberry plants with a protective layer of mulch or straw to insulate them from the cold. You can also move your pots to a sheltered location, such as a garage or shed, to protect them from freezing temperatures and harsh winds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare everbearing strawberry plants for winter?

To prepare everbearing strawberry plants for winter, you should remove any dead or diseased leaves and fruit. Cut back the leaves to about 1 inch above the crown and remove any weeds or debris from around the plants. You can also add a layer of mulch around the plants to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Should I cut back my everbearing strawberry plants, and if so, when?

Yes, you should cut back your everbearing strawberry plants after the growing season is over. Cut back the leaves to about 1 inch above the crown, but do not cut into the crown itself. You can do this in the fall after the last harvest or in the spring before new growth begins.

What should I do with strawberry runners at the end of the season?

You can either allow the runners to take root and grow into new plants or cut them off to encourage the parent plant to focus its energy on producing fruit. If you choose to allow the runners to take root, make sure to transplant them to a new location in your garden.

At what temperature will strawberry plants die?

Strawberry plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F (0°C) can damage or kill the plants. It is important to protect your strawberry plants from freezing temperatures by covering them with a layer of mulch or a frost blanket.

How can I encourage my strawberry plants to produce more fruit?

To encourage your strawberry plants to produce more fruit, make sure they are planted in well-draining soil and receive plenty of sunlight. You can also fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer and make sure they receive adequate water. Removing any dead or diseased leaves and fruit can also help promote healthy growth and fruit production.

When is the best time to remove strawberry plants?

The best time to remove strawberry plants is after they have finished producing fruit for the season. You can either cut back the leaves to about 1 inch above the crown and leave the plant in the ground to grow again next year or remove the entire plant and replant with new strawberry plants in the spring.