Strawberries and plums

[Bill HH]

I have a lot of strawberry plants that I have rooted from runners, what is the best thing to do with them? They are in individual 5" pots at the mo, will they go through winter in those pots? will they be best off in the GH or outside? I cant plant them in their final position because I havent built the raised bed which is going on my garage roof which hasnt got the stair case to it yet lol.
I really fancy a victoria plum tree but i have only one space for it, It is a high stone wall facing East, a bit shaded. I thought of fan training it, but will it survive and fruit there?

[WendyC]

I would have thought they strawberries are best outside. Perhaps somewhere with a bit of shelter perhaps in a cold frame or even against a house wall.
Can't help with the plum tree I'm afraid - but someone will!

[Four Seasons]

I have a lot of strawberry plants that I have rooted from runners, what is the best thing to do with them? They are in individual 5" pots at the mo, will they go through winter in those pots? will they be best off in the GH or outside? I cant plant them in their final position because I havent built the raised bed which is going on my garage roof which hasnt got the stair case to it yet lol.
I really fancy a victoria plum tree but i have only one space for it, It is a high stone wall facing East, a bit shaded. I thought of fan training it, but will it survive and fruit there?

Victorias require full sun to get the flavour and sour plums just aren't worth growing unless you're into making chutney. If it were me I'd choose something that is shade tolerant like red currants or gooseberries but I dare say somebody will come along and tell you that they have a victoria in that sort of situation that gives fruit, but there's fruit and then there's fruit.

[rustylady]

Victorias require full sun to get the flavour and sour plums just aren't worth growing unless you're into making chutney. If it were me I'd choose something that is shade tolerant like red currants or gooseberries but I dare say somebody will come along and tell you that they have a victoria in that sort of situation that gives fruit, but there's fruit and then there's fruit.

Yes me I live in a rented cottage and inherited a Victoria plum that had been butchered by the landlord's "handyman".

It's in the back garden near the house wall which faces East, so only gets sun during the morning. This year it's carrying a bumper crop and they are gorgeous. No sourness at all - even the grandchildren will eat them.

[Alison]

Don't know about the plums but the strawberries will be fine. I've overwintered them in 3" pots outside on many occasions.

[kathyd]

I had a victoria plum in a very shady spot facing west, but screened by tall trees and buildings. It gave wonderful crops of tasty plums every year until it suffered from silver leaf disease, to which I believe victorias are quite prone. I've always understood that they'll fruit fine even on a north wall, but then I might be mixing them up with something else of course . And I've stuck strawberries in pots all over the place and they survive even in a bad winter. If you're worried, you could always keep a few back to tuck a few inside, just in case .