More strawberry plants

[Sonata]

I've got a few questions about this...

I planted 32 strawberry plants in a planter (which holds 32 plants) in April. They're now fruiting (hooray), although I have lost quite a few plants to fungus gnat larvae. One application of nematodes and rove beetles later, I'm hoping the rest will survive (one seems to have died since).

Now..I want to expand our collection as we love strawberries. I'd probably like to try for about 100 plants for next year.

So..I know I could use runners, but I think that as the plants are young and fruiting, I'd better not let them make any this year so they have a chance to get establish and feed us.

When would be the best time to get more plants? And can I add more to the gaps where plants have died in the planter? The compost was all fresh and new in April and I think they died of root nibbling.

[bendipa]

Hm! It's not a great idea to use noxious chemicals on soil where you are going to grow soft fruit plants. If fruit gnat larvae have been eating your strawberry roots, then the rootball seems small and not that well established in the first place.

You should take one strong runner per plant now, and grow it in a 4" pot. If you have contaminated compost, due to mould or fungus gnats present, I would first blast each pot full of compost in the microwave for a couple of minutes before growing on a runner. (Cover pot with clingfilm first) That way you will kill off any larvae, eggs or adult gnats present. By late September a good rootball will have been established and you will have a strong vigorous plant for next summer which should crop well. The roots will be too tough and abundant for any fungus gnat larvae to cause serious damage, once you then plant out the maiden. It may well be a good idea to microwave the soil in the planter too if it's practical.

[gojiberry]

Now is a good time to plant strawberries and you can find several companies advertising 60 day plants which will give you a reasonable crop this year.

Ian

[Sonata]

More for this year? I didn't realise that was possible - now you're talking! Thanks.

bendipa - I haven't used any chemicals at all on my garden, let alone the strawberries!