Kitchen Garden Forum

My strawberry bed is planted through weed proof membrane, and the new plants (runners) have managed to attach them selves to the surface of the membrane taking water from the soil below. When I have removed them to transplant they just die, should i try putting pots under them and leave the runner 'cables' attached till they embed in the pots of compost underneath them? It is a shame to waste the plants even if others can make use of them

Compo

Dear Compo, that sounds as if it is the right way forward to me.

I root runners into ½ pots pinning them down with big staples of bent wire. I root the first proper plant on each trailer then cut the rest off. I only take 2 or 3 per plant.

I have heard mention about bees polinating the flowers on strawberry plants and the need for them to be uncovered for this to happen to get a good crop.
When I look at the centre of the flowers a strawberry seems to be forming without bees being near them, as some are under a cloche.
Could anyone explain the need for polination of the plants as I am sure thar I will get strawberries without this happening
Answers welcome please.
Regards Brenjon

Strawberry runners
Has no one come up with an answer yet.
Brenjon

Brenjon

Sorry you haven't had a reply - perhaps we just don't know. It seems that insects are useful, but not necessary, for pollination.

A quote from HERE

Strawberries are self-pollinating. Pollination is achieved mainly by insects but wind movement and moisture may also help.
To produce a well-shaped berry it is necessary for good pollination to be achieved otherwise the fruit will be malformed. After the flower is fertilised it is generally 4-6 weeks before the berry is ripe.

Seems the answer is: will pollinate themselves without insects, but insects better.

Alan

Thanks Alan for that reply all is coming clear now
Regards brenjon