How to Take Care of Outdoor Strawberry Plants in the Wintertime

Strawberries supply their sweet, red berries in summer, but to ensure top production they must be provided proper winter care. These hardy perennials remain productive for several years as long as they survive winter cold without damage. Winterization begins in late fall, before the ground begins to freeze. The crowns and roots are at the greatest risk, as temperature fluctuations that cause a freeze-and-thaw cycle can damage these parts or kill the strawberry plant completely.

Things You'll Need

Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Thin out the plants as necessary in mid-autumn. Remove runners that have not completely rooted. Cut them off where they emerge from the main plants. Leave no more than five to seven plants per 1 square foot in the bed.
- 2
  Pull up late-season weeds that have rooted in the bed. Pull by hand or cultivate the top 1 inch of soil, taking care not to damage any shallow strawberry roots.
- 3
  Apply a 4-inch layer of mulch in late autumn or early winter, after the top ½ inch of soil has begun to freeze. Use weed-free straw or chopped cornstalks as winter mulch.
- 4
  Remove the mulch gradually over a one-week period after 25 percent of the plants show new growth in spring. Keep the mulch nearby so it can quickly be replaced if a severe freeze is predicted.

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