Strawberry Plant 'Malling Centenary'

How to grow Strawberries 

Once your plug plants have been delivered, remove them immediately from their packaging. Place them in a shallow dish of water for a few minutes to soak the plug of compost. Ideally, these should be potted on immediately but if this is not possible then place them somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight but still bright. If delivery is Spring to Autumn, then place outside and keep the plugs moist, same for Winter but don't let the plugs freeze before planting. 

Planting out Strawberry Plugs: Strawberry plugs are mature enough to be planted straight into their final position. ie grow bags, strawberry beds, patio containers or even large hanging baskets. Make a hole similar size to the plug. Plant to the same level as the original plug, keeping the crown above the soil surface, so moisture doesn't sit in the crown and cause rots. Firm the soil around and water in well. Plugs plants can be grown on if you wish, to make a larger more rooted plant. Fill a 9cm pot with peat free compost and follow the instructions above, grow these on is cold greenhouse, cold frame or just outside in the garden. Once new growth appears and you can see new white shoots appear from underneath the pot, they are ready to be planted into their final position. 

Bare Root Runners: Strawberry runners can be planted as soon as you receive them but delay planting if soil is waterlogged or ground is frozen. 

Soak the bare root runners in a bucket of water to hydrate the roots while preparing the planting hole. 

We recommend planting approximately 45cm apart if planting in rows, or choosing a good patio container, using 3 runners in a 30cm container. When planting, ensure the crown is at soil level (the plant will rot if too deep, and too high the crown will dry out). 

Spread the roots out in the hole and refill, firming the soil back around the roots. 

Water well and keep watering throughout particularly dry periods. Note that strawberries in baskets and pots will need more watering. 

9cm Strawberry Plants 

Upon receiving your Strawberry Plants: Remove the pots immediately upon receipt and give them a good water. If particularly dry, plunge them into a bucket of water until no air bubbles are seen from the compost. Keep them in a warm place and keep well-watered until ready to plant. 

Click here to view our full Strawberry growing guide. 

*Planting and flowering months below are subject to seasonal weather conditions. 

Bare Root Plants

Several of our plants come supplied as bare roots. Despite appearances, they are alive and well. They have been previously grown in the ground and lifted when dormant throughout the winter months, so that when you receive them, they are strong, full of energy and ready to be planted out. This is our most economical way to buy many plant varieties including roses, strawberries, trees and bushes 

Plug Plants  

A wide range of our varieties come in plug size, including Strawberries, Tomatoes, Chillis, Peppers, Cucumbers and Courgettes. Grown in individual cells with a bio-degradable membrane that will break down in the soil, no need to remove before planting.  

9cm Plants 

Our 9cm plants are larger and much more established than our plug ranges, meaning they are ready to plant out straight away. These will establish quickly and produce flower and fruit much quicker than smaller plugs. Protect from frost if required. 

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