first year strawberries wot now.?

[plot apprentice]

hi folks

just a little request for some advice on my strawberry plants.got them in may put them in pots and got a small (this is the norm in the first year i believe) but tasty crop, now wot next. can i take cuttings for more plants or do i just cut back and if so how much do i prune off, also should i apply a feed at this time.??

cheers
p.a.

[Cutecumber]

They should last another two years.

Cut back the leaves, give them a top-dressing of compost or a mulch and leave them to over-winter. When growth starts in the spring, give them a nice feed to get them going.

[plot apprentice]

thanks cutecumber any recommends for us organics on wot to feed them with.??

thanks
p.a.

[Cutecumber]

In the spring, for anything that has overwintered, I use a bit of liquid seaweed (maybe as a foliar spray) and some compost with a handful of organic general fertiliser in it. I reckon that gives it a boost without too much nitrogen. Once they begin to form flowers, I try and remember to give them a regular dose of comfrey liquid, or tomato food, which is higher in potash. I get my food from the organic gardening catalogue if that's any help. Oh, my strawberries are in containers, by the way.

[plot apprentice]

thanks cc fantastic advice cant wait for spring to try out your tips

[roitelet]

My very old book recommends Fish meal as a feed after fruiting.