Extra Strawberries

Last year I rooted about a dozen runners off my strawberry plants and they've been waiting for a new home since; well last week I picked up a large sturdy plastic trough off freecycle, it's a good size and depth (colours a bit bright but it was free) and had been previously used for plants as there were drainage holes already in it.

Just the job, 11 strawberry plants planted in it yesterday.....

 

Last year I managed to peg down 6 new plants. They have shot up in the last week or so. Loads of new growth.
Is it true, with a newly planted strawberry plant you should pinch out flowers and runners in it's first year?

 

i gave a few of mine to my daughters school this week to plant out ..hope they enjoy them