| I have a two year old strawberry patch with 24 plants. They were planted last spring, this year the berry production has been very good. For next year should I let the existing plants product fruit next year or should I let some of the runners establish new plants and remove the original plants? Also, if I let some of the runners establish themselves what kind of berry production should I expect next spring. I have June berring plants. Thank you. Bill Olney, Maryland |
| There are different views on how to treat your strawberry plants for best yields. I have had good luck leaving "mother" plants to produce for 3 and 4 years, all the while increasing the bed with the "daughter" plants. Much depends on the conditions, too -- diseases and reduced soil fertility can take their toll on older plants and result in lower yields. The runners you set this spring and summer should produce a crop next spring. Enjoy! |
