Strawberry Growing Instructions
Unpack straight away and, if not planting immediately place crowns in a box or seed tray, surrounding the roots with moist peat. Keep somewhere cool and light.
Grown best in soils, which are rich in humus. Dig in lots of well-rotted manure and remove all weeds. Choose a well-drained site which has not been used for growing potatoes, tomatoes, chrysanthemums or strawberries for several years and avoid frost pockets.
Plant out at 45 cm (18 inches) apart ensuring the crown is above the level of the soil and not covered, as this will cause it to rot.
Protect flowers from frost but leave uncovered during the day to allow pollination by insects.
Strawberries can be planted through weed suppressants (mulch etc.) which also keeps fruit from resting on the soil. Alternatively surround plants with mats or straw before fruits swell.
When the plants have finished fruiting, cut off the leaves and remove runners if not required for propagation.
