Marianne's Response

Strawberries experts?

I had posted this question to the MSU but have received no response. I have Day neutral strawberries, Tribunes to be specific. The directions said plant them 12 to 18 inches apart and I did, last year. By the end of the year those strawberries chocked every bit of the planter box (three 6’ x 2.5’) full with growth. Yes I did vigilantly try to take care of all the runners but the plants develop crowns right next to each other. So this spring, I have went out and thinned the plants Back again to 12 to 18 inches. My wife says they are supposed to grow like that and not to thin them. I tell her that is for June bearing types that grow in a mat row.
Please if someone can settle this argument between her and I? Do I thin these plants or do I let them do their thing?

Posted by Timothy Lintemuth on May 21, 2020

Marianne's Response

I vote  you let them do their thing and allow to grow in a mat system. This is because it sounds like you have them in a container (the planterbox) and so more can be grown in a smaller space assuming you fertilize, water and use a good potting soil. So expect a nice harvest and crowded plants but thin the plants next spring to keep them vigorous. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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