More on strawberries?

Question

Thank you to those of you who sent me information on the proper mulch etc. Just one more question...If I have a heavy mulch in between the rows of strawberries....and around each individual plant, what happens when the plant sends out its runners (new plants) after bearing? I know these new plants have to root themselves before they cut loose from the mother plant but if there is straw or other mulch present, how can I get them to root so I have more plants for the next year. I have Junebearing plants. Thanks again.

Answer 1

I'm going to guess you want to use a matted row system. Unfortunately I didn't get to read your other questions, so I'm not sure exactly what you are doing.

Personally I don't use any mulch in the row of strawberries during the growing season, only sraw and leaves for winter protection. Be careful if you do, because you don't want to bury the crowns.

Here's what I do to set the runners - very low tech and time consuming, but very productive.

As the runners form the new plant at the end, decide where you want it to grow and clear a space in your mulch for it. loosen up the soil a bit and get the base of the new plant in contact with the soil. Now either pile up some soil on the runner stem or use a small rock to hold it in place. If it's ready the new plant will grab and start to root. If it's not ready it may grow out a bit more and you'll have to set it again. I usually allow about 3 or 4 runners to set from each plant. If more grow out I either clip them off or root them into a small pot using the same method for later relocation.

I grow Earliglow and All-Star junebearers to extend the season.  I start with 25 plants in a 50ft. row. After two - three picking seasons, and I've noticed a decline in production, I renovate the row. First I cut off all the leaves then clear out most of the original plants and fertilize. Then I start setting runners from the younger plants back to the center of the row. At this point I usually give the row another year or two then clear the bed and start again. Five years seems about the limit for easy management. I do this in rotation so there are always some beds growing.

This system may not be "textbook" but I've gotten about 35 sellable quarts for each 50 ft. row. At $3-4 per quart in my area, it works for me.

Happy growing.