Strawberry plants are hardy and therefore designed for perennial cultivation in beds and on the balcony. However, they are not completely frost-proof. Find out about proper winter care here.
How do I protect my strawberry plants in winter?
To protect strawberries in winter, you should remove tendrils and wilted leaves from the bed, leave the heart bud untouched, and cover the ground with straw or bark mulch. For potted or balcony plants, mulch the root area with straw or wood shavings and set up containers insulated.
Safe in the bed through the cold season
In the garden, strawberry plants are more exposed to frosty temperatures than on the balcony. As soon as the ground freezes, the shallow-rooted plants are at risk of significant frost damage. Follow this checklist to effectively prevent the danger:
- cut off all vines and withered leaves immediately after harvest
- the heart bud remains untouched
- cover the ground with straw or bark mulch
- alternatively protect the bed with a breathable winter protection fleece
If a foil cover (€13.00 on Amazon) is used in winter, it will be removed immediately when temperatures rise. If the thermometer constantly settles above zero degrees, there is a risk of mold and rot forming.
Cautious winter protection on the balcony
In the immediate vicinity of the house, strawberries are not so quickly exposed to sub-zero temperatures. Regardless, the unprotected root balls can freeze in the cold wind. How to protect the plants in the pot and flower box:
- After pruning, mulch with straw, wood shavings, sawdust or perlite
- Position planters in front of the house wall on insulating material, such as wood or Styrofoam
- Wrap the pot and balcony box with bubble wrap
If there is no snow in winter, strawberry plants are watered on a frost-free day.
Tips & Tricks
Do not leave the withered leaves lying in the bed as mulch in winter. The danger is simply too great that cunning fungal spores will have nested here to overwinter. Some pathogens sometimes lurk for years waiting for the optimal conditions to infect your lovingly cared for strawberry plants with a disease.
