I need to replant half of our strawberry bed, can I do it this month?

[catmandu57]

One half of it is completely gone, it's just down to soil now, the west half is healthy and vibrant but didn't produce very many berries this year, probably because of the cold weather. Anyway we're in nw missouri and it will be turning hot by the end of the month if not sooner, I'm wondering if I order the plants can I get them planted now, or should I wait and do it either this fall or next spring?

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. I don't think it's too late.

If you find a greenhouse or nursery with fairly mature plants, you should still get berries sometime this summer.

[Blue Gardener]

2. From the Missouri Extension service

This is what I found on their website. It doesn't really say it isn't recommended, but advises planting in the spring. You may want to call you county extension office to see what they have to say.

http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06135.htm

[TygrBright]

3. I've planted strawbs in Fall, and have transplanted them in summer...

...they got a lot of abuse when I was having my raised beds installed one July on MD's Eastern Shore (HOT and HUMID!) I had to dig them up and put them in pots, let them sit in the shade by the shed for a few days (watering regularly) then re-plant them in the new bed.

They'll survive abuse, you'll just get a smaller yield next spring than if you'd been able to plant as soon as the ground was workable. It won't kill them, and you don't have much choice now, do you? Either re-plant now and get a smaller yield next spring, or wait until next spring and replant, and you'll still probably not get much of a yield improvement since they'll effectively be "new" plants.

I re-planted half of my bed every 3rd year or so anyway. That is, I took out the "old" plants and made room for the new ones that had sprouted from runners the previous summer. I figured it one year to mature, one year maximum yield, one year good but declining yield, next year gone and replaced.

helpfully,
Bright

[NJCher]

4. strawberry runners

That is, I took out the "old" plants and made room for the new ones that had sprouted from runners the previous summer.

I was just about to ask. Mine are putting off runners now. Is that what I should do with them?

This is my second or third year with this strawberry bed. First time for runners.



Cher

[TygrBright]

5. Well, what I used to do was...

...give them a couple of weeks and then see which ones looked like good prospects for being next year's plants. I'd gently nudge them to a clear spot and anchor them with dirt, and then clip off all the other runners. (The more you let a mature plant put out runners, the faster it exhausts itself and the lower its next year's yield will be.)

When the 'baby' is rooted, usually a few more weeks, just clip the runner from the parent plant.

I had about three dozen plants, and would root about 10-15 'babies' each year.

Hope that helps!

informatively,
Bright

[NJCher]

6. very helpful, thanks

I think my strawberries might be a bit too close to each other, so I might have to, as you say above, put the runners in another spot. Maybe in some pots or whatever. Then choose the good ones and start another bed.

Appreciate your advice ;)



Cher

[Viva_La_Revolution]

7. Speaking of Strawberries... I think I saved mine!

they were on the front porch in hanging baskets, but apparently not getting enough sun. the large leaves were dying and the berries were stunted. I was afraid it was root rot. I moved them to the back patio where they get 8 good hours per day, and they are reviving nicely.

I love strawberries. :)

[Blue Gardener]

8. I might try that next year

I don't have a good spot to plant a strawberry bed, but I might be able to plant a couple of strawberry pots. I'm glad to hear they grow well. Fresh strawberries are the best!