What is the best way to store strawberry runners before planting: rules and best practices

Many gardeners are interested in How can I preserve strawberry runners? Before planting. Today, many methods are known that achieve excellent results. They also allow for the preservation of planting material for varying periods of time. This allows gardeners to choose the best option and plant the plant correctly. It will quickly take root and soon delight you with a bountiful harvest.

The benefits of propagating strawberries using runners

Growing strawberries using runners has many advantages. This method doesn't require additional space for the seedlings. There's no need for boxes or soil. There's also no need to spend time caring for the seedlings, picking them, and transplanting them into the soil.

When propagating plants by runners, all the shoots take root, as they are separated from the parent plants with their roots. Furthermore, all the varietal characteristics of the plant are preserved.

This method also allows for the propagation of new strawberry hybrids. This allows for the production of vegetative offspring that fully inherit the parental traits.

How to select and prepare planting material

To achieve success in growing strawberries, it is recommended to pay attention to the selection and preparation of plants.

Mustache Selection Criteria

In the first year after planting, remove all runners from strawberry bushes. This procedure ensures strong plants with well-developed roots. In addition, remove all flower stalks from annual plants. This will prevent them from wasting energy on fruit production.

On the mother strawberry plant, runners of the first, second, and third order can be formed. The more powerful runners are located closer to the plant. These are the ones recommended for use.

Strawberry bushes 2 years and older provide the appearance of new shoots.

At the beginning of the season, it's recommended to select the strongest and largest plants. These should be marked with a sign or other means.

Pruning rules

In mid-July, it's recommended to trim the runners and plant them nearby. By the end of summer, they will have rooted and begun actively growing. Before winter arrives, all plants should be pricked out and moved to a cool room. By this time, the runners will have established their own roots and can survive the winter.

Conditions and rules for preserving antennae

In some cases, planting the runners in the ground is impossible after trimming them. In this situation, storing the planting material becomes necessary. This can be done for up to two months. However, it's better to plant the runners immediately. This will ensure they take root much better.

For 2-3 weeks

The cut seedlings should be dipped in a growth stimulant solution. If planting is not possible immediately, it is recommended to soak them in water for 2-3 weeks. During this time, excellent roots will form. Then, the plants should be transplanted into open soil.

Up to 2 months

There's a way to store strawberry runners for up to two months. To do this, it's recommended to cover the seedlings with soil and store them indoors. It's important to constantly monitor the soil moisture. Experienced gardeners store plants for sale this way. It's recommended to cover the bottom of the container with foam rubber or damp moss.

How to store seedlings from winter to spring?

When storing strawberry seedlings, certain conditions must be observed. The temperature should be between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. Humidity should not fall below 90%. Optimal conditions include carbon dioxide levels twice as high as oxygen.

If the room's humidity is too low, hang wet towels. If the room is too humid, ventilate it. At this point, it's recommended to insulate the seedlings.

Strawberries can be stored in the following places:

• basement;
• fridge;
• insulated balcony.

If the seedlings are stored indoors, they should be planted in boxes. Double-layered boxes are suitable for this purpose. The root zone should be covered with several layers of moss or sawdust. Check the seedlings periodically for signs of damage and water them as needed.

Some gardeners leave strawberries to overwinter directly in the garden bed. To do this, the soil should be moistened, fertilized, and covered with insulation. The material should be secured to the bed to prevent it from blowing away. If stored incorrectly, the strawberries may freeze.

Sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 months. Place the plants in a soil-free bag. It's recommended to spray the bag with water and place it on the bottom shelf. The temperature should be between 1 and 2 degrees Celsius.

Another popular storage method is called frigo storage. This involves removing all the leaves from the seedlings and placing them in a cool place. This allows for selecting the strongest plants, eliminating weak ones, and achieving excellent yields.

Preserving seedlings by covering them with snow

Strawberries need to be prepared in advance for this method. Reduce watering one month beforehand. Two weeks before covering, it's recommended to completely stop watering the soil.

After this, the bushes should be watered once to prevent them from drying out. During this time, the strawberry's vital processes slow down.

After which you should do the following:

1. Choose an area that is constantly covered with 15 centimeters of snow.
2. Transfer the dug up seedlings to it.
3. Cover the bed with straw.
4. Cover the top with spunbond.
5. Lay a layer of snow 10 centimeters thick.
6. Put down another layer of straw, which helps prevent snow from melting and retain heat.

The nuances of caring for strawberry runners after planting

For the first two weeks after planting, water the plants every morning. After that, it's recommended to water them every three days. To prevent active weed growth, cover the area with a layer of mulch—pine needles, straw, or sawdust. Agrofibre is also acceptable.

Fertilizers are recommended to be applied three times during the growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as manure, humus, compost, or peat, are best. If this is not available, ready-made fertilizers can be used.

Preventing pest infestations is also crucial. Diseased plants should be removed from the area and their leaves and stems treated. Flower stalks and shoots should be removed when flowering begins.

Typical mistakes gardeners make

Common mistakes made by gardeners include the following:

1. The tendrils connecting the mother plant and the rosette are cut off too early. As a result, the young plant doesn't have time to develop developed roots, which negatively impacts its adaptation.
2. They don't control the number of runners on a bush. As a result, they develop too many rosettes. This weakens the plant and makes it difficult for the bushes to adapt to a new location.
3. The runners are replanted several times. Young rosettes have very fragile roots that are easily damaged.
4. The procedure is performed in rainy or hot weather. High humidity leads to the development of fungal infections, and heat causes severe weakening of the crops.
5. The bushes are transplanted to an unprepared site. Using the wrong soil or neglecting fertilizer can lead to poor plant survival.

The issue of preserving strawberry runners is considered quite pressing. To achieve success, it's important to choose the right method and strictly follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners.