Strawberries are popular. The sweet berries should not be missing in any garden. The perennial plants can easily be brought over the winter. With these instructions you can successfully overwinter strawberries.
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Overwinter strawberries properly
Strawberry plants can stay in the same bed for about three years. The right treatment before and after the harvest decides whether the plants can be preserved over the winter. Only then will there be strong plants with many tasty and healthy fruits next year.
As strawberry plants form the beginnings of new blossoms as early as autumn, the low temperatures in winter have a decisive influence on the expected yield. Read strawberry overwintering tips
- outdoors,
- on the raised bed and
- on the balcony .
Hibernation outdoors
remove foliage
The best time to clean the strawberry plants is right after the harvest in July. Also remove the tendrils and offshoots.
Supply with nutrients
Strawberry lovers know that a layer of manure or compost between strawberry plants leads to strong, healthy plants that stimulate flowering and promise a high yield. Leave the heart leaves uncovered!
Plant young plants in good time
The young strawberry plants available in summer are still very sensitive. Plant them as early as possible so that they can develop well before winter begins. We recommend planting young plants between early and mid-August. In this way, the strawberries are robust enough to overwinter.
loosen soil
Beautiful, compact plants only develop in well-drained soil. Loosen the soil well with a hoe. Mix in some sand. The stronger the plants are in autumn, the better they get through the winter.
Protect from frost
Strawberries can be overwintered well, but the shallow roots need protection from the cold temperatures. Cover the spaces between the plants with bark mulch, brushwood or straw. Only cover the gaps. The plants must remain free, otherwise fungi or pathogens will quickly settle.
Water when dry
Water your strawberry plants on dry, frost-free days, even in the cold season. In this way, you can provide the plants with the moisture they need so that they can hibernate without any adverse effects.
Hibernation on the balcony
If you want to overwinter strawberry plants in a tub, it’s easier:
- Cut off offshoots
- Remove foliage down to heart leaves
- Place buckets in a protected location (e.g. house wall)
- Place the container on a wooden base or thick polystyrene board
- Cover the ground around the plant with straw or brushwood
- water on frost-free, dry days
Hibernation in the raised bed
Clean strawberry plants in raised beds as well as outdoors. Then loosen the soil well and cover the gaps with straw mulch. Water the raised bed on dry, frost-free days.
frequently asked Questions
Today there are strawberry plants that are identified as bearing twice or even three times. Under favorable conditions, these produce fruit several times a year. They can also be overwintered.
Unfortunately, mulching with strawberry leaves is not recommended, as this will not stop the spread of fungal diseases. Compost the remains of leaves or put them in the bio bin.
Breathable, water-permeable fleece is a good alternative to straw, mulch or brushwood. You can also cover this over the plants without damaging them. We advise against plastic foil. It does not allow air circulation, so the plants would become diseased and die.
