Hi Tui, I planted new strawberry plants last winter and was wondering what maintenance I should be doing to them over this winter?

Hi Mathew 

You don't have to do a lot at the moment. What you can do is clear away any dead foliage, remove any runners, replant for this season and spray with copper oxychloride as a preventative for black spot. Mulch around the plants with fresh barley straw however make sure the ground isn’t frozen or there hasn’t been a frost before doing this.

Strawberries are better replanted each season as typically second season plants produce smaller and less fruit. That is where planting the runners is good for a new seasons crop. If deformed fruit appear early in the season remove these as they have not been pollinated by bees very well and will not develop into good fruit. Feed your strawberries with Tui Strawberry Food in another month or so when temperatures start to warm up.

Thanks, Tui Team.