Post category: Early strawberries

 

In August, plant strong runners 30 centimetres apart outdoors in good soil. In October, lift the plants and carefully pot then in medium-sized pots. Leave the pots outdoors until the middle of January and then bring them into the greenhouse, or frame.

 

Early strawberries in flower

 

When the plants begin to grow, check them for greenflies and spray, if necessary. Depending on the level of heat available they will flower in March/ April and fruit in April/ May.

Alternatively, the plants can be covered, where they were planted, by a low tunnel to fruit in May/ June. Plants ‘forced’ under glass or plastic can be planted out and grown on outdoors, but are not worth forcing again.