Strawberry plants do need to be cut back after fruiting. This is an important step in their care and maintenance. By cutting back the plants, you are helping to redirect their energy back into their roots and encouraging new shoots to develop.
To begin, wait until after you have harvested the last of the summer-fruiting strawberries. This is usually in late summer or early fall, depending on your specific climate and growing conditions. Once the harvest is complete, it’s time to give your strawberry plants a trim.
Using a sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors, cut the plants back to about 3 inches (7.5cm) above the ground. Make sure to remove all dead leaves and trimmings as you go. This will help create space for new shoots to grow and prevent any potential diseases or pests from lingering in the old foliage.
Cutting back the plants is beneficial for several reasons. First, it helps to rejuvenate the plants and promote healthy growth. By removing the old, spent foliage, you are allowing the plant to focus its energy on developing new leaves and roots.
Second, cutting back the plants helps to control their size and prevent overcrowding. Strawberry plants can quickly spread and take up more space than desired if left unchecked. By cutting them back, you are keeping them in check and maintaining a tidy and manageable garden.
Lastly, cutting back the plants before they go into dormancy helps to prepare them for winter. By removing the old foliage, you are reducing the risk of diseases and pests overwintering in the plant debris. This can help ensure a healthier start to the next growing season.
In my personal experience, I have found that cutting back strawberry plants after fruiting has been beneficial for their overall health and productivity. It’s a relatively simple task that doesn’t require much time or effort, but the results are well worth it.
Strawberry plants do need to be cut back after fruiting. By cutting them back to 3 inches above the ground, removing dead leaves and trimmings, you are helping to redirect the plant’s energy, create space for new shoots, and prepare them for winter dormancy. This practice promotes healthy growth, prevents overcrowding, and reduces the risk of diseases and pests. So don’t forget to give your strawberry plants a trim after the last summer harvest!
