Planting out Alpine strawberry seedlings

[MrsCordial]

My veg patch has a permanent strawberry patch (though I have considered allowing it to creep forwards as it sends out suckers, and pull out the oldest ones at the back, so gradually giving it fresh ground). I rarely do more than pulling out some dead bits and weeding, then protecting the fruits with netting, and we get a pretty respectable crop.

This year some Alpine strawberry seeds came my way, so I've sown quite a few and the seedlings are coming up very nicely. They're still very comfortable in a 3" pot, but given that strawberries seem to be pretty hardy (mine are completely unprotected all winter and pop up every spring without fail) is there any reason why I shouldn't put them out soon? I'd put them under an old milk bottle cloche to cosset them. What do you think?

Thank you.

[AllInContainers]

My wild white alpines were tiny when I put them out. In fact they hadn't even filled modules. All seem to be doing quite well, although I'm not sure I'll get any fruit off them this year

[MrsCordial]

Thanks AiC. Between getting those outside and the artichokes, I'll be starting to get my sitting room back!

[AllInContainers]

My globe artichoke is now in it's second year, although it didn' go out till very latter last year. I lopped it off at the base earlier this year, and it's now coming back with a vengance. First year for Jerusalem Artichokes and Chinese Artichokes though. They're just breaking the surface.

If it's gloge artichokes you've got, I'd keep that inside a while longer. It's hardy enough when established, but may be more vulnerable young. Another couple or three weeks to be safe and you should be OK if the weather's OK

[MrsCordial]

Ah okay. Oh well, even getting the strawbs outside will make a difference, but I know that's really the wrong reason for planting out!