How To Transplant Strawberry Plants

If your strawberry patch is getting crowded or you simply want to move your plants to a better spot, learning how to transplant strawberry plants is an essential skill. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring your berries thrive in their new home.

Transplanting can rejuvenate older plants, help control runners, and improve your overall harvest. With the right timing and technique, it’s a straightforward task that any gardener can handle successfully.

Before you grab your shovel, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Strawberries are perennial plants, but they produce best in their first two to three years. Transplanting helps manage their growth and maintain vigor.

When is the Best Time to Transplant?

Timing is everything for a successful move. The ideal periods are:

Early Spring: As soon as the ground is workable and new growth begins. This gives plants a full season to establish before winter.
Early Autumn: About 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost. The warm soil and cool air encourage root growth without the stress of summer heat.

Avoid transplanting in the hot summer months or when the ground is frozen. If you must move plants in summer, provide ample shade and water.

Choosing the Right Plants to Move

Not every strawberry plant is a good candidate for transplanting. Here’s what to look for:

Young Runner Plants: The best choices are the young daughter plants that have formed on runners. They are typically more vigorous than older, central “mother” plants.
Healthy Mother Plants: If moving an established plant, select ones with healthy, green leaves and no signs of disease or pest damage.
Strong Root Systems: Gently check for a well-developed root system when you dig them up.

Preparing the New Planting Site

A happy new home means a faster recovery. Strawberries need:

Full Sun: At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the sweetest fruit.
Well-Draining Soil: They hate wet feet. Raised beds or mounds are excellent options if your soil is heavy clay.
Slightly Acidic Soil: A pH between 5.5 and 6.8 is ideal.
Amended Soil: Work in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve fertility and texture.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

You won’t need anything fancy. Gather these items:

A garden spade or shovel
A garden fork (very helpful)
A trowel
A bucket or container for holding plants
Watering can or hose
Compost
Mulch (straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves)

The Step-by-Step Transplanting Process

Now, let’s get to the main event. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Water the Plants Thoroughly

The day before you plan to transplant, give your strawberry plants a deep watering. Moist soil will hold together better around the roots, reducing shock and making them easier to dig up.

Step 2: Dig Up the Strawberry Plants

Using your garden spade or fork, dig wide around the plant to avoid damaging the root system. Aim for a root ball about 4-6 inches in diameter. Gently lift the plant from the soil, shaking off only the loose dirt. Place it in your bucket, and keep the roots moist and out of direct sun while you work.

Step 3: Prepare the New Planting Holes

In your prepared bed, dig holes wide and deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots without bending or crowding them. Space the holes about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation, which prevents disease.

Step 4: Trim and Prune if Necessary

Before planting, take a moment to trim any damaged or very long roots. You can also remove any dead or yellowing leaves. This directs the plant’s energy to establishing new roots and healthy growth.

Step 5: Plant at the Correct Depth

This is the most critical step! Place the plant in the hole so that the soil line is exactly at the crown. The crown is the short, thick stem where the leaves meet the roots. If you bury the crown, it may rot. If you leave it to high, the roots can dry out. Spread the roots out fan-like in the hole.

Step 6: Backfill and Water In

Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it lightly around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant immediately and deeply after planting. This helps settle the soil and ensures good root-to-soil contact.

Step 7: Apply Mulch

Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around the plants, keeping it away from the direct crown. Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean. Straw is a classic choice for a reason!

Aftercare for Transplanted Strawberries

Your job isn’t quite done. Proper aftercare ensures the plants recover quickly.

Consistent Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks. This is crucial for new root growth.
Remove First Blooms: For spring transplants, it’s wise to pinch off the first set of flowers. This lets the plant focus its energy on root and leaf development, leading to a stronger plant and better harvest next year.
Protect from Extremes: Shield new transplants from harsh sun or unexpected frost with row cover or cloches if needed.
Hold Off on Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize immediately after transplanting. You can apply a balanced, organic fertilizer once you see significant new leaf growth, usually after a few weeks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few slip-ups. Here’s what to watch out for:

Transplanting at the Wrong Time: Avoid midsummer heat or late fall freezes.
Planting Too Deep: Burying the crown is the number one cause of transplant failure.
Inadequate Watering: Letting the roots dry out during or after the process.
Overcrowding: Giving plants to little space leads to competition for nutrients and increased disease risk.
Using Weak or Diseased Plants: Always start with the healthiest specimens you have.

FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered

Can you transplant strawberry plants in the summer?

It’s not ideal due to heat stress. If you must, do it on a cloudy day, provide temporary shade, and be relentless with watering. Expect some setbacks.

How often should you move strawberry plants?

To maintain health and productivity, consider renovating or relocating your strawberry bed every 2 to 4 years. This prevents soil-borne disease buildup and replenshes soil nutrients.

Can I transplant strawberries that are flowering or fruiting?

Yes, but it’s stressful for the plant. It’s best to remove the flowers and fruit to prioritize root establishment. You’ll sacrifice a small harvest for a much healtheir plant long-term.

What is the best way to transplant strawberry runners?

For runners, you can often snip them from the mother plant while they’re still attached and pot them nearby. Once they’ve rooted in the pot, you can sever the runner and move the new plant easily with minimal shock.

Why are my transplanted strawberries wilting?

Some wilting is normal due to transplant shock. Ensure they are getting enough water and aren’t planted to deep. They should perk up within a week if conditions are right. If wilting persists, check for root damage or disease.

Transplanting your strawberry plants is a simple and rewarding garden task. By following this clear guide, you give your plants the best chance to settle in quickly and produce a bountiful harvest for seasons to come. Remember, the key steps are timing, correct planting depth, and consistent aftercare. With a little patience, you’ll soon be enjoying the fruits of your labor from your newly positioned patch.