Overwintering Strawberries: How to Protect Your Plants for a Bigger Harvest Next Year

Introduction

Overwintering strawberries is essential for ensuring strong growth and a bountiful harvest the following year. While strawberries are hardy plants, winter frosts, wet soil, and pests can weaken or even kill them if not properly protected.

Instead of losing plants to winter damage, you can mulch, cover, or move potted strawberries indoors to keep them safe and ready for an abundant summer crop.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best methods for overwintering strawberries
✅ How to protect strawberries in the ground and containers
✅ The right way to prune and prepare plants for winter
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips for ensuring strong regrowth in spring

Why Overwinter Strawberries?

Strawberries are perennial plants, meaning they come back year after year, but they need protection from harsh winter conditions. Overwintering your plants helps:
🌱 Keep roots healthy and prevent frost damage
🍓 Encourage an earlier and larger harvest next year
💰 Save money by maintaining existing plants instead of replanting

💡 Tip: If UK temperatures drop below -5°C (23°F) or your winters are very wet, strawberries need extra protection to survive.

Best Methods for Overwintering Strawberries

1. Protecting Strawberries in the Ground (Best for Garden Beds & Raised Beds)

✅ Step 1: Stop Fertilizing in Late Summer

• Reduce feeding in September – October to allow plants to naturally harden off.

✅ Step 2: Trim Dead Leaves & Runners

• Remove yellow or dead leaves to prevent disease.
• Trim off excess runners (long stems that create new plants).

✅ Step 3: Mulch for Winter Protection

• Apply 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of mulch around plants using:
  • Straw (ideal for insulation)
  • Shredded leaves
  • Bark chips or compost

✅ Step 4: Cover with Fleece in Extreme Cold (Optional)

• In regions where temperatures drop below -5°C, cover plants with horticultural fleece or row covers for extra insulation.

💡 Tip: Remove mulch in early spring once new growth starts to prevent rot.

2. Overwintering Strawberries in Pots & Containers (Best for Small Spaces & Balcony Gardens)

✅ Step 1: Move Containers to a Sheltered Location

• Place pots against a wall, inside a cold frame, or in a greenhouse to shield from frost and wind.

✅ Step 2: Insulate Pots for Extra Warmth

• Wrap containers in bubble wrap or burlap to protect roots from freezing.
• Group pots together to create a warmer microclimate.

✅ Step 3: Reduce Watering in Winter

• Water only when soil is dry, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.

✅ Step 4: Mulch the Surface of the Soil

• Add a layer of straw or compost on top of the soil to keep roots warm.

💡 Tip: If temperatures drop below -5°C, move potted strawberries into an unheated greenhouse or garage.

3. Overwintering Strawberry Runners (Best for Expanding Your Strawberry Patch)

✅ Step 1: Pot Up Runners in Late Summer or Early Autumn

• Cut healthy runners from the mother plant and plant them in small pots.

✅ Step 2: Keep Young Plants in a Sheltered Spot

• Move them into a cold frame or unheated greenhouse before frost arrives.

✅ Step 3: Water Lightly Throughout Winter

• Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering.

💡 Tip: In spring, harden off new plants by moving them outside gradually over 7-10 days before planting.

When to Remove Winter Protection & Prepare for Spring Growth

✅ February – March: Start removing mulch gradually to let plants wake up.
✅ March – April: Begin watering more frequently as new growth appears.
✅ April – May: Apply a balanced fertilizer to boost flowering and fruiting.
✅ After the last frost: Move potted strawberries back outside.

💡 Tip: Cover plants with horticultural fleece during late frosts to protect early flowers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overwintering Strawberries

🚫 Not mulching outdoor plants – Roots are vulnerable to frost damage.
🚫 Leaving potted strawberries exposed to frost – Move them to a sheltered area.
🚫 Overwatering in winter – Can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
🚫 Forgetting to remove mulch in spring – Can lead to mold growth and delayed growth.
🚫 Not pruning in autumn – Old leaves can harbor pests and diseases.

💡 Tip: If you notice blackened or mushy crowns in spring, remove affected plants and check for crown rot.

Final Tips for Successful Overwintering

🌡 Monitor winter temperatures – Take action if temperatures drop below -5°C.
🏡 Choose the right protection method – Mulching for in-ground plants, insulation for potted plants.
💦 Water sparingly – Strawberries need less water in winter but should not dry out completely.
🌱 Check plants monthly – Remove moldy or dead leaves to prevent disease.
🌞 Gradually introduce plants to sunlight in spring – Avoid sudden exposure after winter dormancy.

💡 Tip: If your strawberry plants look weak in spring, repot them in fresh compost and feed with liquid fertilizer to encourage growth.

Conclusion

Overwintering strawberries is a simple but crucial step to protect plants, ensure a strong growing season, and maximize fruit production.

By mulching, insulating potted plants, or moving them to a sheltered area, you can successfully keep strawberries alive through winter and enjoy an even bigger harvest next summer!