How to Split Strawberry Plants

Strawberry plants are a perennial that can spread very quickly. The plants must be split in order to prevent competition among them. Strawberry plants will have a larger yield and a better fruit if they have enough space to grow. They spread by rhizomes, which can be cut from the main plant and transplanted into a different location. The runners can also be moved over from the main plant, without separation, to avoid overcrowding.

Things You'll Need

Organic compost
Mulch

Hoe
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Divide the strawberry plants in the summer after the fruit has ceased production.
- 2
  Locate the runners that have grown off the mother plant. The new plants will be located off the runners. Tug gently at the younger plants. If they have established roots they will be difficult to remove. The newest plants may not be established. Move the runner into the desired location and cover part of it with an inch of soil. This will train the runner to root where you have placed it.
- 3
  Clip the established plants from the mother using sharp pruning shears. Cut the runner halfway between the mother plant and the new plant.
- 4
  Prepare the strawberry bed for your new plants. Mix 2 to 3 inches of organic compost into the top 6 inches of soil with a hoe or a tiller.
- 5
  Dig a hole 6 inches deep. Use a shovel to dig the new plants out of the soil and place them into the new hole. The new plants should be planted 12 to 18 inches away from any existing plants. This will give the new plant plenty of space to grow. Plants should be spit at least every other year.
- 6
  Water your plants with 1 to 2 inches a week. Add a 1-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plants to hold in the moisture and to keep the weeds out.

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