How to Store Potted Strawberry Plants Over Winter

Strawberry plants are a great addition to any garden, but winter weather can be brutal for them. Fortunately, storing potted strawberry plants over winter is easy with a few simple steps. Here are some tips to help you keep your strawberry plants alive and healthy through the winter months.

Choose the Right Location

The first step in storing potted strawberry plants over winter is finding the right location. They should be kept in a sheltered area that protects them from extreme temperatures and strong winds. A garage or shed can be an ideal location, but any spot that provides protection will do. If necessary, you can also bring the pots indoors if your home is well-lit and not too cold.

Stop Feeding and Watering

Once you've found the right location, the next step is to stop feeding and watering the plants. Strawberry plants go dormant during the winter months, so they don't need as much water or nutrients. In fact, overwatering can be harmful to the plants, so it's best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. If your plants are in low-quality soil or if you live in an area with a lot of rain, be sure to water them less frequently.

Cover the Plants

To protect your potted strawberry plants from extreme cold, you can cover them with a sheet or blanket. This will help insulate them and keep them from freezing. Make sure the cover extends over the sides of the pot and is secured in place with stakes or rocks to prevent it from blowing away. However, it's important to remember not to cover the plants completely. They need some air circulation to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Check on the Plants

During the winter months, it's important to check on your potted strawberry plants periodically. This allows you to check for signs of damage or disease, such as yellowing leaves or mold growth. If you notice any problems, take steps to address them. If necessary, replace the soil or cut off any diseased leaves. If you catch any problems early enough, you can prevent them from spreading and potentially losing your plants.

Bring Them Back Outside

As winter draws to a close, it's time to start thinking about bringing your potted strawberry plants back outside. Once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures begin to warm up, you can move your plants back outside into a sunny, protected area. Be sure to give them plenty of water and nutrients to help them grow strong again. With a little care, your potted strawberry plants will be ready to produce a bountiful harvest in no time.

The key to storing potted strawberry plants over winter is to provide them with the right environment and treatment. With a little bit of care, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving through the winter months, and have a delicious crop of strawberries come springtime.