Inherited strawberries

[HeyWayne]

On closer inspection of my new plot I have discovered a strawberry patch (abouut 8ft sq). There are a lot of dead leaves on the patch, and I am somewhat reticent to move them in case they are providing valuable warmth to the living plants - there are several green shoots poking through.

I've only ever grown strawberries in very small quantities before, and always from a pot.

Should I poly-tunnel them, or cover them with straw, protect them from slugs etc etc.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[Nicos]

I would chop off the dead leaves as they may encouage fungal spores and either leave as they are and see what they do this year ( save some of the runners for next year) and maybe pack fresh straw around them if you wish.
I shall try straw this year for the first time.

[Two_Sheds]

If you have any cloches, you could cover a few up to bring your crop forward. Do cut off the dead leaves cos they will encourage slugs.

[HeyWayne]

Looks like a hands and knees job!

Once it's dried up a bit, looks like I'll be using the kneeling pad my wife bought me for Valentine's day...

[pigletwillie]

Strawberries are as tough as old boots and require a bit of cold to fruit well. As the previous replies have already stated, its good housekeeping to clear the old leaves away, generally this is done in autumn to expose the new growth ready to sprout from the crown and reduce the prospects of disease and pest damage.

[taylorlej]

what should i be doing with strwberries in containers now. should i be feeding them or what
thanks