When and how to transplant strawberries

Why transplant strawberries

Most varieties of this berry bear fruit well within three years. At the same time, the bushes grow intensively, releasing more and more new sockets. Over time, they become crowded, the stems lack nutrients from the soil, the berries are less common, and their size decreases. Also, old strawberry bushes have weakened immunity, which is why they get sick more often and are attacked by pests. Therefore, the plant must be replanted.

When to transplant strawberries

You can do this in the spring, as soon as the soil warms up - in most regions, May is considered the best time. But there are a number of shortcomings here. Firstly, spring weather is unstable and transplanted bushes may die due to recurrent frosts, prolonged rains or sudden heat. Secondly, strawberries will only yield next year.

Therefore, many summer residents transplant from the second half of August to the end of September. At this time, it is not so hot anymore, and before the onset of cold weather, strawberries will have time to take root in a new place. At the same time, if you are going to propagate the plant with a mustache, you need to start rooting the rosettes in July so that by the end of August they are ready to move to a new place.

How to prepare a bed for transplanting strawberries

Strawberries should not be transplanted to the place where they grew earlier: the soil for young plants will be poor. And for several years, many pests and pathogens could settle in it. So find a new sunny spot.

2-3 weeks before the planned transplant, apply 3-4 kg of compost or rotted manure per square meter of beds. Dig up the soil onto the bayonet of a shovel and level the surface with a rake.

Before planting strawberries, mark the beds. Bushes are placed at intervals of 25–30 cm. The distance between rows should be 60-80 cm.

How to transplant strawberries by dividing the bush

This method is best for plants that are two years old.

Dig up the strawberries

This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the roots. Dig around the bush from all sides and remove it along with the earthen clod. Shake off the soil with a patting motion and place the roots in a container of water to wash out any remaining soil from them.

Divide the bush

An adult plant consists of several horns. It happens that they separate on their own after digging up the bush. If this does not happen, each horn must be cut off with a sharp clerical knife from the mother plant, so that the shoot has a sprout and roots. These will be seedlings.

cut the roots

Carefully inspect the roots and remove rotten, dry and too dark - these are old specimens. For better survival, the roots can be shortened by one third. Also cut off dry leaves and twigs.

Disinfect seedlings

Before planting, dip the roots of the plant into a solution of any fungicide - for example, "Fitosporin" or Fundazol, which are diluted in water according to the instructions on the package. Leave the strawberries in the disinfectant liquid for 15 minutes. This way you will prevent the development of fungal diseases on the bushes.

plant strawberries

Make holes in the pre-marked places in the garden. Each seedling will have its own depth, equal to the length of its roots. If the soil is dry, moisten the holes with water and wait for it to soak. Place a seedling in the hole, straightening the roots, fill all the voids with soil. Lightly compact the surface of the soil around the bush with your palms.

How to transplant strawberries from a mustache

Bushes give long lateral shoots on which rosettes are formed. As soon as you notice that strawberries have formed such shoots, you need to help them take root.

Prepare containers for seedlings

Take pots or plastic glasses with a volume of 0.2–0.5 liters and fill them to the top with soil. Suitable ready-made universal soil for seedlings of vegetables and flowers. Pour plenty of water over the containers and wait until it is absorbed.

sprout rosettes

Choose the strongest bushes that have grown on the mustache. Place a pot of earth under each. Place the shoot in the center of the container and secure the shoot at the base by inserting a hairpin or piece of wire into the ground.

The germination process will take about 2 months. At this time, you need to ensure that the surface of the soil around the young bush is always wet, and water it under the root as needed.

plant strawberries

In the marking places in the garden, make planting holes according to the size of the seedling cup. If the ground is dry, pour water over the holes and wait until it is absorbed. Cut off the side shoot of the mother bush at the base of the germinated seedling. Carefully remove the young bush from the pot, being careful not to damage the roots, and place it in the hole together with the earthy clod. Pour a little soil around the seedling, lightly compacting the surface with the palm of your hand. Water the strawberries under the roots.

How to care for strawberries after transplanting

In order for the bushes to take root better in a new place, in the first two weeks, make sure that the surface of the soil in the garden is wet all the time. As needed, water the strawberries under the root with plain water.