Strawberry plant Q

Stupid alert......

What is the purpose of these shoots off the strawberry plants please? Should I be potting them for next year?!

Yes, I am clueless!!

 

You are so wonderfully knowledgeable and patient with me hehe!

Should I pot it now or is it too late?
I only got 1 runner from 4 plants hence not knowing what to do with it.
I've never been successful with strawberries but decided to try again this year.
From 4 plants we got a grand total of 2 strawberries

 

Thanks very much indeed!

 

These runners or shoots are the plants natural means of increasing, of continuing the species etc. For the gardener they can be a great asset. Wowee! no need to save and sow seed, no need dor taking cuttings and no need for root division.

Whether in the case of fruits such as strawberries or general garden plants that increase by this means, a few tips. This natural method of reproduction can take place with potted plants and or plants in the herbaceous borders. As soon as possible peg the runner down. This can be done by a stone or a peg of some kind. Purpose to keep the new roots close to the compost. Once a good root system has developed, the sever the runner from the parent plant. Grow on and pot on as required. Beds and borders, some gardeners leave the runners to fend for themselves. This will increase the expanse of the plant, good in some respects but fatal in others. Left to this system. In time the 'Mother' plant wil become exhausted, and you will notice the center of the plants gradually dying. This is your choice. Regarding feeding. Please familiarize yourself with what plant feeding actually relates to. Although there are many chemical elements in the soil and composts. There is a balance to be met with gardening. Basically just three elements enter our field. These are listed on packaging as. N.P.K. N = Nitrogen=food required for assisting the green growth of the plant. P= potash. This assists the flowering and fruiting and finally seed setting. K=Potassium. Potassiom is required for good strong healthy growth, strong roots etc.

So you, me, the gardener now has to make our minds up. So here I have this tiny young plant. So what chemical is best to produce that. Then as the plant grows, it needs plenty of nitrogen, to keep the foliage fresh and green, as the season advances and you now want lots of flowers and fruits, it is wise to administer a higher potash nutrirment. So, it is wise to really read the labels. Even if it's a general feed. Might you be wasting something. Pause for thought.