How to Clone Strawberries

Examine the strawberry plants for the development of runners, which are long, slender shoots that extend outward on top of the soil. They appear soon after fruit production ends.

Rake away mulch with your fingers, if necessary, so that runners can develop more easily.

Feed the strawberry plants with seaweed extract fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Read instructions carefully and apply no more than indicated on package directions.

Place a 4- to 5-inch-wide rock on the runner. Position the rock on the end closest to the mother plant. This holds the runner secure while the root system forms.

Dig the soil carefully from around the runner in about three to four weeks to see if roots have formed. If none are visible, replace the soil and check again two to three weeks later.

Snip the runner free of the mother plant with pruning shears once a 2- to 3-inch root system is in place.

Remove all except the two most immature leaves to reduce the likelihood of wilting.

Dig a hole the same depth as the root system and wide enough to spread the roots out well.

Plant the cloned strawberry plant at its prior level and water until the soil feels evenly moist.

Place 2 inches of organic mulch around the plants to keep the roots from drying out.