renovation

Q-
I have a couple of questions about the strawberry renovation for June-bearers:

1 - Are just the leaves to be cut off or further down the stem to?

2 - What do you do about new runners that are growing, should they be planted or cut off?

Thanks,

Gregg

A-
Renovation
A process called 'renovation' is performed on June-bearing strawberry beds after the harvest that helps to keep plants healthy and productive over the years. Follow these simple steps:

As soon as all the berries have been harvested, mow off the leaves. Use your lawn mower set at the highest setting. Take care not to cut or injure the crowns.

Rototill the edges of the beds to narrow the bed width to 12-18 inches.

*Remove excess plants to leave 3-5 inches around every plant.

Fertilize with 1 to 1.5 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. and water well until leaves are regrown.

Maintain adequate moisture throughout the entire growing season. We recommend the equivalent of 1-2 inches a week depending on rains and soil type.

You can expect a well-managed strawberry bed to last 3-5 years.

*Cut leaves off plants staying 2-3 inches above crowns.