Strawberry plants?

Question

Here's some basic info and truths: I am a novice container gardener w/three summers of experience. I plant tomato and basil plants and they grow well. In Spr. 07 I planted two strawberry plants as well. (baby plants from a home depot and didn't do much-no fruit). I left all to die not realizing the strawberries come back. They came back this spring and the two plants flowered and produced about a dozen berries (which were good.) Now that they are done they are growing shoots and leaves.

My ?s: are they going to flower again this year? Either way, can I cut back the shoots that are growing over the edges and if so are there any rules regarding this?

Some additional info: I'm not looking for advice and opinions on why did I grow in such a small container, how to mulch, etc. I can live with or without the berries; just looking for maximum output with minimum efforts!

Answer 1

You don't state where you live, but your plants could produce more berries again this year. Most varieties prefer cooler weather in order to set fruit. The new shoots are baby plants and will root if they make contact with soil and water. If you don't want the babies, then cut them off close to the parent plant. Otherwise, tuck them back into your planter or start a new container. You won't harm the parent plant by cutting them off. Hope this helps.