Strawberry Leaves

[Geoff]

I've finally tidied up my first and second year rows of Strawberries and planted out my new runners. This means I've put quite a bit of Strawberry foliage on the compost heap. They are pretty tough leaves and I'm wondering if they are one of the additions that hasn't broken down that well when I come to use the compost. I still have the row of 30 third year plants to dig up, I usually cut all the foliage off these into the compost then burn the roots. The question is do you think it would be better to use all this foliage as part of my leafmould rather than compost?

[Johnboy]

Hi Geoff,
I set the mower on the highest setting and mow over the Strawberries and all the waste is burnt. When I replant I also burn the entire of the old plants. Being a rotary mower it sucks all the bugs and other nasties and you would be amazed at what you find in the mower bag!
Too many nasties with Strawberries to consider composting.
In my thoughts there is too much at stake to take a chance.
JB.

[Beryl]

This won't help you Geoff, but I am debating now whether or not to cut my foliage back again for the 3rd time this year. I did it as always after they finished fruiting at the end of July, It all grew so vigorously
and did it again and now it all looks though it could do with it again. But will I damage my otherwise very healthy looking plants if I do.?
The leaves I do compost if healthy but wouldn't do it the year they all come out to be replaced and like JB I do dispose of them then.
Crazy year.
Beryl.

[Geoff]

I don't know if I am right or wrong but I left the healthy young leaves on mine; as you say more than there usually are, hope it doesn't exhaust them.

[Beryl]

Thanks Geoff. I have one small bed of only 10 plants I can affored to loose so might just try it on those and leave the rest. As you say they are loking very good this year.

Beryl.

[glallotments]

I usually cut the foliage back after fruiting and leave any new growth to protect the roots over winter. I then trim back again when new shoots start again in spring. It's worked for me so far.