Strawberry issues

[Plumed90]

Hi guys,

Got an allotment and inherited an in managed strawberry bed. Have about 10 plants and most have got lots of green fruits. Picked a few ripe ones already which is great but the majority have holes with miniature slugs in and covered by ants.

Any tips on how to combat this? Don't want to loose most of the crop.

Thanks!

[Bren In Pots]

Plumed have a read at GYO's growing guide, they suggest fabric/straw under your plants. I use both fabric and organic slug pellets plus I only water early mornings thats supposed to keep slugs down a bit not sure if its works though.

Growing Strawberries | How To Grow | Grow Your Own

[Plumed90]

Great thanks for that - Looks like i'll need to locate some straw!

Can anyone suggest a breed of strawberry that can be planted now and will also fruit this year to increase my crop?

Thanks,
Dan

[Jungle Jane]

You could try beer traps for the slugs,I heard something about putting polenta or semolina down for ants,they carry it back to the queen? I found a bunch of baby woodlice in a strawberry once,I don't mind losing the odd fruit,got used to it probably?

[Stan79]

I seem to remember that ideally you shouldn't let new runners fruit in their first season otherwise they get tired / run down / overstressed and then that can effect the following years crops...