HOW TO OVERWINTER STRAWBERRIES

How to overwinter strawberries

Strawberries are not only one of the most popular fruits to eat, they are also one of the easiest to grow. However, with so many different varieties available - and availability often being sporadic - once you have managed to get hold of your perfectly flavoured strawberry (mine is the 'Cambridge Favourite') you are going to want to keep it.

How to overwinter strawberries

The problem with strawberries is that while they grow best in the ground, they can be susceptible to pest damage which is why growing them in containers is becoming evermore popular. Unfortunately this give rise to a further problem. Growing strawberry plants in containers makes the strawberry plants root ball more exposed to cold damage during the winter and in extreme temperatures can kill off the plant.

Whether grown in pots or outdoor beds, suitable winter care of strawberries is essential. Strawberry plants need to be protected from both cold temperatures and wind in order for them to reproduce each year. Therefore, you'll need to know how to care for your outdoor bed or strawberry plant pot in winter.

One of the most common questions pertaining to strawberry plants is “can you keep strawberries in a strawberry pot over winter?” The answer is no, not unless you plan on keeping them indoors, well away from any freezing temperatures. For instance, you can move pots to an unheated garage for winterizing potted strawberry plants until the return of spring; however, more often than not they are put in the ground instead.

While normally these plants are quite hardy, especially those planted in the ground, keeping them in strawberry pots (or jars) outdoors over winter is not recommended.

Most strawberry jars are made of clay or terracotta. These are not suitable for winter weather as they absorb moisture easily which leads to freezing and makes them more prone to cracking and breaking. This is detrimental to the plants.

How to overwinter strawberries

Plastic pots, on the other hand, withstand the elements better, especially when sunken into the ground. For this reason, strawberry plants are usually removed from their clay containers, after the first initial frost, and re-potted into plastic ones that are at least six inches deep.

These are then placed in the ground about 5 ½ inches, leaving the rim sticking up from the soil rather than flush with it. Cover the plants with about three to four inches of straw mulch. Remove the mulch once the plants show signs

Mulch is all you need for winterizing strawberries in beds. The timing for this depends on your location but usually takes place after the first frost in your area. Generally, straw mulch is preferable, though hay or grass can also be used. However, these types of mulch usually contain weed seeds.

You’ll need to apply anywhere from three to four inches of mulch over the plants, with raised beds receiving somewhat more for additional protection. Once the plants begin growth in early spring, the mulch can be cleared away.

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