How to Over Winter Strawberry Plants in Pots UK

Strawberries are a favorite fruit for many people and can be easily grown in pots even in the UK. However, with winter approaching, it's essential to take the right steps to ensure the survival of your strawberry plants. In this article, we will go through the steps that you need to follow to over winter strawberry plants in pots in the UK.

Choose the Right Variety of Strawberry Plants

The first step towards overwintering your strawberry plants in pots in the UK is to select the right variety of strawberry plants. Choose a variety that is hardy enough to survive the cold UK winter. Some of the most popular varieties of strawberry plants in the UK include Honeoye, Cambridge Favorite, and Elsanta. These plants are hardy enough to survive freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions.

Prepare Your Strawberry Plants for Winter

Before winter sets in, you need to prepare your strawberry plants for the cold season. Begin by watering your plants adequately and removing any dead leaves, fruit or debris. Trim the foliage down to around two inches from the crown, leaving enough foliage to protect the crown during the winter months. Cover the pots with a layer of mulch or straw to protect the root zone from freezing.

Provide Proper Lighting and Temperature

If you're growing strawberries indoors, make sure that they receive sufficient sunlight or artificial light for 6-8 hours every day. Maintain the temperature at 10-12°C during winter to prevent the plant's growth from coming to a halt. Also, ensure adequate air circulation by opening windows or using fans to keep the air moving around the plants.

Watering and Fertilizing Strawberry Plants in Winter

During the winter months, strawberry plants dormant, meaning that they require less water than they do during the growing season. Water the plants lightly, ensuring that the soil doesn't dry out completely. Overwatering your strawberry plants during winter may cause root rot, so be careful with the amount of water you give the plants. Also, avoid fertilizing your plants during the winter months as they are not actively growing.

Inspect Your Plants Regularly

During the winter months, inspect your strawberry plants at least once every month. Look for signs of disease or pest infestations, and treat them accordingly. Make sure that the plant hasn't become too dry or too waterlogged. Address any issues that you come across immediately to prevent them from worsening.

Conclusion

Overwintering strawberry plants in pots in the UK might seem like a daunting task, but it's not that difficult. By selecting a hardy variety of strawberry plants, preparing your plants for winter, providing adequate lighting and temperature, watering and fertilizing correctly, and inspecting your plants regularly, you can protect them throughout winter and set them up for growing and producing fruit in the spring.