What do you use under your strawbs ?

[newbieveggie]

Hi all

Just wondering if I can glean some words of wisdom. Some of my strawberries are producing fruit which I'm very excited about. Last year tho they were eaten by slugs before I got a chance to try any. Is straw still considered the best thing to put under the fruit while they are ripening or is there something even better ?

[piskieinboots]

I use straw - if I didn't have straw to hand I would use weed suppressant and plant through that

[Shadylane]

I used straw last year, both down t'lotment and at home with the pots. It helped keep them dry but didn't keep the slugs from nibbling. They like to hide under straw it seems, but if you're vigilant you can go on a daily slug hunt and remove the critters from their hiding place.

[Dottie]

I've put rhubarb leaves down as a mulch this year, as and when I take any rhubarb. Can't remember if I've read it or not, but thinking that it will work to keep weeds down as well as slugs away.

[Alison]

I used straw last year as I had a load given me but normally I don't bother with anything.

[sewer rat]

I have two starwberry beds outside - the smaller bed of about 150 plants is planted through old capillary matting which serves to suppress weeds and also to keep fruit clean but the other larger bed of about 400 plants is just on bare ground and I haven't had any real problems.

[Suky]

I have two starwberry beds outside - the smaller bed of about 150 plants ............... other larger bed of about 400 plants .

You do know how to make me feel inadequate I am waiting for my 18 plants to arrive

[sewer rat]

You do know how to make me feel inadequate I am waiting for my 18 plants to arrive

Ah, but I used to have 5 acres and run a box scheme but gave it up, now have 1 acre and a commercial sized tunnel - other than the compost heap, the two strawberry beds were the only permanent outside areas. I now grow for myself and my family with surplus being frozen, preserved, made into jams, jellies, chutneys, pickles etc or sold at the local Farmers Market.

[Suky]

Cutting back then
That must have taken a huge amount of work tho' and I think from other posts from you that you garden for others too.

[Dalarran]

I still think straw is best, but Piskieinboots has a good idea too if straw is not available. Really, it is a matter of keeping the fruit clean, which is one good reason for commercial growers to have raised beds.

What variety did you choose Newbieveg?

[weekendwellies]

You can get straw from pet shops if your not in a farming or horsey area. They come in handy sized bags for guinea pigs and rabbits bedding. Should be plenty for the number of plants that you have.

[Send A Cow]

I would love to start growing strawberries. Is there any particular advice anyone can give me or any useful tips?

It would be much appreciated.

Jess

[scarey55]

I would love to start growing strawberries. Is there any particular advice anyone can give me or any useful tips?

It would be much appreciated.

Jess

Just get yourself a couple of plants and pot on the runners when they arrive. When we came to live here I snuck a couple of pots in the car with 2 plants in each. I now (after 4 years) have 2 big beds full of strawberries and am giving plants away. They do like to multiply.

[Glutton4...]

What do I put under my Strawbs?

Meringue or Cheesecake, and cream on the top!!!!


Sorry!

[GrowingVegRocks]

I use one of these strawberry planters for mine - first time I have grown strawberries (and all veg lol).

Strawberry Barrel £18.95

How does straw work with this?

Thanks!