How to prune strawberry plants

Why Prune Strawberry Plants?

Pruning is essential for any garden plant because it promotes growth, removes disease, and encourages fruit production. When it comes to strawberries, pruning is especially crucial because they need proper sunlight and air circulation to thrive. Pruning also helps remove damaged, infected, or dead leaves, stems, or roots that can impede growth or harm the plant.

When to Prune Strawberry Plants?

The best time to prune strawberry plants is in late winter or early spring when they are still dormant. In warmer regions, this may be as early as December or January, while in colder climates, it may be as late as March or April. Pruning during the dormant period allows the plant to recover before the growing season starts and ensures that the new growth receives optimal nourishment and resources.

How to Prune Strawberry Plants?

Now, let’s dive into the steps involved in pruning your strawberry plants correctly.

Step 1: Remove Dead and Damaged Leaves

The first step is to remove all dead or damaged foliage. Look for leaves that are yellow or brown, and those that have been eaten by insects. Cut these leaves off at the base with a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Removing dead leaves not only helps keep your strawberry plants healthy but also removes the hiding places for pests and insects.

Step 2: Trim Runners

The next step is to trim the runners or stolons that are produced by the strawberry plant. Runners are long, thin stems that grow from the crown of the plant and spread out to produce new plants. They are vital for propagation, but they can also be detrimental to fruit production. When left unchecked, runners can drain the plant’s energy, reducing the size and quality of the fruit produced.

To trim runners, identify the healthy ones where you want the plants to grow. Cut off any runners that are not needed, leaving only a few healthy runners per plant. You can also use the runners to start new plants by placing them in soil or water and waiting for them to take root.

Step 3: Cut Back Old Leaves

Once the dead and damaged leaves and runners have been removed, it’s time to cut back the older leaves. Cut the oldest, largest leaves off at the base of the plant, being careful not to damage the crown or centre of the plant. The goal is to remove enough foliage to create space for new growth and improve air circulation.

Step 4: Rejuvenate the Crown

The final step involves rejuvenating the plant’s crown, which is the central point from which the leaves, stems, and runners emerge. Over time, the crown can become crowded and overgrown, leading to poor growth and fruit production. To rejuvenate the crown, dig down to the base of the plant and remove any excess soil and debris.

Using pruning shears, cut away any dead or damaged roots, leaving only healthy ones. You can also divide the plant if it has become too large. Simply cut the crown into sections and replant them at least six inches apart.

Conclusion

Pruning your strawberry plants may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll soon get the hang of it. Proper pruning techniques help promote better growth, higher yields, and healthier fruit, ensuring that you get the most out of your strawberry plants. Remember to prune your plants during the dormant season and remove dead leaves, trim runners, cut back old leaves, and rejuvenate the crown. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy bumper crops of delicious, juicy strawberries all summer long.