Pollination of Strawberries in the greenhouse

[deeky54]

Hi - does anyone have extra advice about pollinating strawberries in the greenhouse.

I realise that they "do best" outside, but I live at 1200 feet, often in the cloud, and for the last three years have lost half the crop to mould. I have put down weed suppressant fabric, and tried lifting the crop off the surface, to no avail.

So next season I plan to try them in my greenhouse, with the tomatoes. I have bought good sized individual pots for the plants, compost with John Innes, and am about to pot up runners to overwinter.

I try to grow the tomatoes hard, so have the greenhouse door open whenever possible, but am not sure about pollination. I'm not keen on the "importing bumble-bee hives" solution.

The greenhouse is away from the main plot, with few flowering plants nearby, so I was thinking I could have plenty of limnanthes in pots outside the door, plus a few more inside - but would this be sufficient to pollinate the strawberries effectively? Any extra tips welcome, thanks.

Deeky54

[Alison]

A small paintbrush is your friend! Basically you need to go between the flowers with the brush every few days and you'll be fine. You might get enough insects to come in but I'd not leave it to chance and would intervene if I were you - I don't think you can get a criminal record for interfering with strawberries but ................

[bramble]

I use a feather in the greenhouse and always get a good crop.
Good luck.

[zazen999]

Deeky - whereabouts are you - could you pop it in your profile, so that you don't have to explain it every time or get incorrect advice.

Thanks and welcome to the Vine

[deeky54]

Alison and Bramble, thanks for your replies, I'll use the double strategy of limnanthes (I've found these to be the best bee attracters - it sounds like a hive when I walk past my clumps - when it's not raining . . . ) and I'll also interfere with them.

Zazen999, thank you for your post, I've been to my profile and put in a few details, as suggested. I suppose I ought to join the Grumpy Old Gits group, because I have a bit of a thing about giving out unnecessary personal details, such as having to give your bust measurement to the jobsworth at the bank - I exaggerate, but you get the picture.

[zazen999]

Zazen999, thank you for your post, I've been to my profile and put in a few details, as suggested. I suppose I ought to join the Grumpy Old Gits group, because I have a bit of a thing about giving out unnecessary personal details, such as having to give your bust measurement to the jobsworth at the bank - I exaggerate, but you get the picture.

No problem but here there REALLY is a good reason to let us know where you are gardening........

[Alison]

Please do tell the jobsworth at the bank your bust measurements (preferably if it's a spotty teenager!) and then take a piccie and post here - could do with a laugh!

[bobleponge]

Alternatively just post your bust measurement,

I would also suggest a paintbrush. Should work fine.