How to Prepare Potted Strawberry Plants for Winter

As winter approaches, it's important to start considering how to properly care for potted strawberry plants to ensure they survive the colder months. With the right preparation and steps, you can give your plants a better chance of thriving come spring.

Clean and Trim the Plants

Before bringing the plants indoors, take the time to clean and trim them to promote healthier growth when they are returned outdoors. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim back the stems to about 1 inch above the crown of the plant.

Repot in Fresh Soil

After cleaning and trimming the plants, repot them in fresh soil. This will help to prevent any pests or diseases from affecting the plants during the winter. Use a high-quality potting mix that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage. Also, make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the roots and allows for adequate water drainage.

Provide Adequate Light and Humidity

Strawberry plants need as much sunlight as possible to grow and thrive. If possible, place the pots in a south-facing window or provide supplemental light using fluorescent grow lights. In addition to light, it's important to maintain proper humidity levels to prevent the plants from drying out. Use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plants to help maintain a moist environment.

Control Temperature

As temperatures drop, it's important to keep the plants in a temperature-controlled environment. Strawberry plants thrive in temperatures between 60-75°F, so it's important to make sure the plants are not exposed to extreme temperature changes. Avoid placing the plants near doors or windows that may be drafty, as this can cause stress to the plants.

Watering and Fertilizing

During winter, strawberry plants go into a period of dormancy and require less water and fertilization than they do in warmer months. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and only fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to monitor soil moisture levels carefully.

Conclusion

With proper care and attention, potted strawberry plants can survive the colder winter months and thrive come spring. By cleaning and trimming the plants, repotting in fresh soil, providing adequate light and humidity, controlling temperature, and monitoring watering and fertilization, your plants will have the best possible chance at surviving winter and producing a bountiful harvest come spring.