Jake wrote in
news
On Sun, 26 May 2013 12:02:03 GMT, Baz wrote:

I have some finger nail size, green ones on the south facing brick
border. This is their 3rd year. Should I dig them up and plant new
ones in autumn, or give it another year? They say that strawberries
should be renewed every 3 years. So I am not sure.

Thanks
Baz

My approach is to remove all runners in years 1 and 2 then allow the
runners to develop in year 3. Following advice here, I wrap the
rooting end of the runners in moist moss which is then covered in cut
down little sandwich bags held on with rubber bands - they root
happily into that. Then I cut the new plantlets off and pot them into
3" pots, overwinter in the cold frame and plant out in the spring in
place of the old plants.

I grow in two tub tower contraptions so when planting the new ones
out, it's easy to replace the compost in the levels being replanted. I
use a mix of 5 parts John Innes no 3 to 1 part Perlite. I've got six
levels and two get replanted each year.


Well, Jake, for once I dissagree with you.
I have taken runners from year 1 and ALL have produced, both runners and
parent. Never had a dead'un.

I just use a clothes peg to anchor them into plastic 3" pots and sever them
when a root has set.

If you recall a couple of years ago you reccommended tomato feed. That was
the most correct thing. Not just to get the strawbs big, but sooooo sweet
and tasty. I know that because the ones I fed were as said, but the ones I
gave only water to were smaller and tasteless.

Baz