What to do with strawberry plants in winter.

dthornely

I am new to growing strawberries and this is my first year. What I should I do with the plants before winter? Just leave them? Or I have read that they should be cut down? I am in Sheffield if that helps?

Fairygirl

They don't need anything 
You can remove dead or damaged leaves, and if there are runners, you can take them off the parent plants by pegging them down nearby, or into pots, and then cutting them off once they've rooted. That gives you more plants to grow on, as strawberries are best replaced every few years to keep them productive. 
In spring when they get into growth properly, they benefit from some fresh compost around them, and a bit of slow release food of some kind. That gets them off to a good start. They do need to be well fed to give their best   

dthornely

Thanks, that's really helpful. 👍

Allotment Boy

If they are more than a year old you can cut off all the tops, they will regrow quite quickly.  This will rejuvenate them,  if they are in their first year leave them , just cut off runners to let them build up. 

dthornely

Cheers, yes they are in their first year so will leave them,. Thanks

Fairygirl

Yes - if they're young plants, they need a bit of time to reach full potential. They should be good next year