Q.strawberry thinning
June-bearing strawberries became increasingly shaded, moved mother plants to 16′ by 8′ oval raise bed with elevated center after fruiting in 2017. With great soil and nearly full day sun, the plants thrived and sent out many runners with new plants rooted.
Question is whether to thin now for 2018 fruiting. Rooted plants are about every 4 inches in all directions, just comming out of winter dormancy.
Should I remove some plants?
Tom Casten
Hinsdale, Il
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
They, naturally, crowd in their native habitat. They can handle being close together. If you feel as if they are overflowing the container, then this can be done now with no harm. Just expect some recovery time before they flower again.
This article will help you on container strawberry care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/strawberry/container-grown-strawberries.htm
