Learning how to transplant strawberries is a key skill for any gardener wanting to expand their patch or revive an old one. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring your plants thrive in their new home.
Transplanting can seem daunting, but it’s really straightforward. Whether you’re moving runners from a healthy plant or relocating an entire bed, timing and technique are everything. With a little care, you’ll enjoy a bigger, better harvest next season.
How to Transplant Strawberries
This main section covers the core principles. Following these steps will give your strawberries the best possible start after the move.
Why Transplant Strawberries?
Strawberry plants benefit from being moved every few years. Older plants produce fewer and smaller berries. Transplanting renews your patch.
It also helps control disease and gives you a chance to improve the soil. You can spread your favorite varieties around your garden or share them with friends.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Timing is critical for success. The ideal periods are:
- Early Spring: As soon as the ground is workable. This gives plants time to establish before summer heat.
- Late Summer/Early Fall: About 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost. This allows roots to settle in cool, moist soil.
Avoid transplanting in the peak of summer. The heat stresses plants too much. Spring is often prefered for most climates.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth. You’ll need:
- A garden spade or shovel
- A garden fork or trowel
- Sharp, clean scissors or pruners
- Watering can or hose
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Mulch (straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves)
Choosing the Right Plants to Move
Not every strawberry plant is a good candidate. Select healthy, vigorous plants. Look for ones with bright green leaves and no signs of disease or insects.
If you’re transplanting runners, choose ones with strong, developed roots. Avoid using old, woody central plants from a crowded bed. They often don’t recover well.
Preparing the New Site
Your new strawberry bed needs excellent preparation. Strawberries love sun, so pick a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct light.
The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.8). Work in plenty of compost a few weeks before planting. This improves texture and fertility.
Raised beds are a great option, as they ensure good drainage. Just make sure they are easy for you to water regularly.
The Transplanting Process: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s get your plants moved. Follow these numbered steps carefully.
Step 1: Water the Plants
A day before transplanting, water your existing strawberry plants thoroughly. Moist soil holds together better, protecting the roots.
Step 2: Dig Up the Plants
Use your garden fork or shovel to loosen the soil in a wide circle around the plant. Aim to get as much of the root ball as possible. Gently lift the plant from the ground.
Step 3: Prepare the Plants
Shake off excess soil gently. Inspect the roots. Trim any that are overly long or damaged. Also, trim back about half of the leaves. This reduces water loss while the plant recovers.
If seperating runners, snip the stem connecting them to the mother plant. Ensure each new plant has its own healthy roots.
Step 4: Dig the New Holes
At your new site, dig holes wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Space holes 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart.
Step 5: Plant at the Correct Depth
This is the most common mistake. Place the plant in the hole so the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is right at soil level. If it’s too deep, the crown rots. If it’s too high, the roots dry out.
Spread the roots out in the hole. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the plant.
Step 6: Water Immediately and Mulch
Water each plant deeply right after planting. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets. Then, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plants, keeping it away from the crowns. Mulch conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
Aftercare for Transplanted Strawberries
Your job isn’t done once they’re in the ground. Consistent aftercare ensures they bounce back quickly.
Watering Schedule
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first 2-3 weeks. Water every other day if there’s no rain. After they’re established, you can reduce to about 1 inch per week.
Fertilizing
Wait until you see new growth before fertilizing. Then, use a balanced organic fertilizer or a side-dressing of compost. To much nitrogen early on can harm tender roots.
Managing Blooms
For spring transplants, it’s wise to pinch off any flowers that appear in the first season. This directs energy to root and leaf development, leading to a stronger plant next year.
For fall transplants, you likely won’t see any blooms until spring anyway, which is perfect.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with care, issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them.
- Wilting Leaves: This is normal for a day or two. Provide shade cloth if it’s very sunny and keep watering. If wilting persists, the plant may have been damaged during the move.
- Slow Growth: Be patient. The plant is focusing on roots. Ensure it’s getting enough water and the crown was planted at the correct depth.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Check your soil moisture and consider a soil test.
FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered
Can you transplant strawberries while they are fruiting?
It’s not recommended. Transplanting is stressful and the plant should focus its energy on establishing roots, not producing fruit. You’ll get a better harvest if you wait until after fruiting or the following spring.
How often should strawberries be transplanted?
Plan to renew your strawberry bed every 3 to 4 years. This keeps the plants productive and healthy. You can rotate the bed to a new location to help prevent soil-borne diseases.
Can I transplant strawberry runners in pots?
Absolutely. Pots are a great option if you have limited space. Use a container at least 12 inches deep with good drainage holes. Follow the same planting depth rules and water frequently, as pots dry out faster.
What is the best soil mix for transplanting strawberries?
A mix of garden soil, compost, and a little peat moss or coco coir for acidity works well. The goal is loose, fertile, and well-draining soil. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils without amending them first.
Why are my transplanted strawberries dying?
The most likely culprits are planting depth (crown too deep or high), inconsistent watering, or transplant shock from moving in hot weather. Review the steps above, especially around planting and initial care.
Final Tips for Success
Label your varieties if you’re growing more than one kind. It helps you learn which ones perform best in your garden.
Weed the new bed diligently. Weeds compete fiercely with shallow strawberry roots for water and nutrients.
Consider using bird netting once berries develop. Your newly established plants will put their energy into fruit, and birds love to find it first.
Transplanting strawberries is a rewarding task. It extends the life of your plants and increases your yield. With this simple step-by-step guide, you have all the information you need to do it right. Give your plants the care they need after the move, and they will reward you with sweet, juicy berries for seasons to come.