protecting strawberries

[kerryp]

hi,

can anyone give me ideas on what is best (&cheap) to put down under my strawberries to stop them being eaten or rotting once they get close the ground? Ive got a few getting large now & i just know if they hit the ground for a while they will be eaten or go "off" before they are ripe enough to eat.
Any help appreciated.
thanks

[Capsid]

Get some straw or hay from a pet store and lay that around the base. I recommend netting also to keep the birds off.

[Alison]

I have some straw under mine (looks fab) and netted over the tops. No slug or bird problems but they are also nematoded which helps.

[Madasafish]

I use half composted leaf mold..

[magz.mccarthy]

I planted mine through holes in opened compost bags (black side up). they have remained free of weeds (just the occasional 1 or 2) and no slug damage at all. I have a net over them too to stop the birds and squirrels and stuff. From 12 plants I get a little punnet of strawberries 2 times a week. Cool!

[RobintheBobin]

I pick mine as soon as they start showing a hint of colour and they ripen on the windowsill...seems to work and they still taste delicious