Strawberry Plant 'Malling Ace'

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 between spring and autumn, place them outside and keep the plugs moist. The same applies in winter, but ensure the plugs do not freeze before planting.

Planting Out Strawberry Plugs: Strawberry plugs are mature enough to be planted straight into their final position, such as grow bags, strawberry beds, patio containers, or even large hanging baskets. Make a hole similar in size to the plug. Plant to the same level as the original plug, keeping the crown above the soil surface to prevent moisture from sitting in the crown and causing rot. Firm the soil around and water in well.

Plug plants can be grown on if you wish to create a larger, more established plant. Fill a 9cm pot with peat-free compost and follow the instructions above. Grow these on in a cold greenhouse, cold frame, or simply outside in the garden. Once new growth appears and white shoots emerge from underneath the pot, they are ready to be planted in their final position.

Bare Root Runners: Strawberry runners can be planted as soon as you receive them, but delay planting if the soil is waterlogged or 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 three runners in a 30cm container. When planting, ensure the crown is at soil level – planting too deep can cause rot, while planting too high may dry out the crown.

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

Water well and continue watering, particularly during dry periods. Note that strawberries in baskets and pots will require more frequent 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.

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.

Seedlings: Seedlings are young plants that have grown from seeds and are still small, usually with just a few leaves. They are in the early stages of growth and are ready to be potted on or planted outdoors to continue developing.

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. Pot and grow on to form larger plants that can be planted later in the season. Protect from frost if necessary.

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.

1L+ Plants: A substantial plant with many already developed flowers or even early onset of fruit if the season has been early. Great for filling in gaps or plating into patio containers.

Grafted Plants: Grafted plants are created by joining together two different plant varieties, typically by attaching the stem of one onto the root system of another. This process allows for desirable traits, such as disease resistance or better fruit production, to be combined into a single plant.

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