[devonlady]

It does work JM

[Marches Farmer]

Can anyone give me any tips on growing strawberries at all?

I grow mine in ordinary garden soil, pull off the runners unless I want new plants, and run the mower over the whole bed in the Autumn.  This removes the old leaves and appears to help prevent mildew affecting the bed the following year.  If the weather's very dry I give the plants a good soaking every four or five days.  Last year a bed 2 x 3 metres yielded so many berries we sold them from the farm gate. It's a variety called Emily, which may not still be available.  Berries are uneven sizes but flavour's good.

[Fleecewife]

The mower tip is a good one MF - thanks.

Strawberries also appreciate being mulched with pine needles - has worked well for us.