Hey everyone, I'm starting my first strawberry patch to carry on a family tradition my grandma had before she passed away from cancer. Since I'm new to this and don't know anyone who currently grows anything, I have a few questions about caring for my strawberries!
Specifically, I'm curious about how overwintering works. I understand that strawberries need a cold period, but I'd like to know more about how to manage them indoors since I don't have an unheated garage. What are the ideal temperatures for overwintering them inside? Also, if I have an everbearing variety, does it still need a cold period or will it produce year-round? Should I be saving some runners instead of cutting them all off to encourage flowering? I'll be growing both June-bearing and everbearing types, so any tips for each would be greatly appreciated! I might also attempt to grow new plants from seeds and runners in the future, so I'd love advice on avoiding cross-pollination issues.
1 Answer
Strawberries are generally easy to grow! Just make sure they get watered every other day to keep them happy. Overwintering can be tricky, though, especially in colder areas. If you're bringing them inside, aim for temperatures around 32°F to 40°F. It's crucial to not let them warm up too much or they won't get their needed cold period. As for everbearing strawberries, they can produce year-round if properly cared for, but they still benefit from a cold rest period. Keeping some runners is a good idea because it can help keep your plants healthy and productive! Good luck with your new patch!
I’ve heard that getting a bit of straw or mulch can help retain moisture and protect them from the cold as well—might be worth considering!