How to Prune Strawberry Bushes

Plant strawberries in early spring when the soil is soft. Keep the soil evenly moist and side-dress strawberry plants with fast acting, balanced fertilizer, according to package directions. Then, pinch all blossoms off for the first four to six weeks. This process eliminates early berry harvests, but encourages the plants to develop deep roots. You'll have healthier plants, with larger subsequent harvests. June-bearing types won't produce fruit until the following spring, although day-neutrals and everbearing varieties will produce a modest crop the first summer and fall.

Renovate strawberries after the final harvest in the summer or fall, depending on the berry type. Dig up and remove any strawberry plants that are weak and spindly. These plants haven't stored enough energy to produce a good crop the next year. Save plants that are strong, dark green, and have many leaves and runners. After renovating, your rows should have at 6 to 12 inches between them, with 4 to 5 inches between each plant.

Set your lawn mower blade on high, and mow over the remaining strawberry plants to cut back the leaves. This process removes dead leaves and encourages new growth, but make sure the blade is high enough that it doesn't hit the crowns of the strawberry plants.