Strawberries are a fun and tasty garden fruit that grows best in slightly acidic soil that has lots of organic matter. If your strawberry bushes are not growing well or have grown too large for your current garden they will need to be transplanted to a new garden. Replanting strawberries – all you need is a small shovel and a new spot in your garden. Keep reading to learn how to make the move without damaging the plant.
Necessary Gear
- Rich soil
- Peat moss
- A watering can
- A small shovel
8 Step Transplanting Guide
Transplanting strawberries can be scary if you have never moved a plant before. Stick to our 8 step guide plus tips and tricks from the garden experts to successfully replant your strawberries.
Step 1: Find a Spot with Full Sun
Start by finding a new garden location with full sun. The best soil type is acidic and rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Moving to the wrong spot can kill the plant or damage the ability to grow fruits in the future.
Step 2: Dig a Perimeter
Dig a 8 to 10″ perimeter around the stalk of each plant using a small shovel. The perimeter should be a few inches deeper than the root system so you can easily remove the entire plant from the ground. Be careful not to cut any roots with the shovel, if you start hitting roots you may need to dig a wider perimeter.
Step 3: Remove Plants from Ground
Scoop each plant from the ground using your hands and a shovel. Get all the way under the root ball and grab as much of the roots as possible. If the roots are stuck in the ground try watering the area to loosen things up.
Step 4: Wrap Roots in Peat Moss
Once each plant is out of the ground it is important to protect the delicate roots and keep the moist. Peat moss is an all natural way to protect the roots by wrapping them in a loose layer. This will protect them for travel and keep the roots at the right moisture level. Newspaper and paper towels are other effective wraps if you don’t have any Peat Moss on hand.
Step 5: Dig a New Holes
Dig a new hole for each plant you are transplanting. The hole should be about 6″ deeper and wider than the root system. Remove any rocks, trash or other buried debris using your shovel. Each hole should be at least 36″ apart so they plants have plenty of room to grow.
Step 6: Transplant Strawberries
After digging the holes replant each strawberry plant. Make sure to set the plant in the center of the hole so it is level with other nearby plants. Once the plants are at the right depth and angle fill in the hole with soil until it is level with the surrounding garden and flower bed. Try to use slightly acidic soil that is safe for vegetables and rich in organic matter.
Step 7: Cover with Mulch
Once all the strawberries are transplanted cover the entire bed with a layer of flower mulch. This will help the plants stand up straight and protect them from wind and rain. The first few weeks after transplanting is when plants are most vulnerable and need extra protection.
Step 8: Water Once A Week
Water your newly replanted strawberries at least once per week for at least the first 3 months. If it has recently rained you can skip a week but it is important to keep the entire root system wet during the first few months.
When to Transplant Strawberries
The best time of year to transplant strawberries is during the early Spring. We recommend replanting during March or April. It is important to get them in the new garden before the heat of the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you transplant strawberries in the winter?
No, the best time to transplant strawberries is during the spring after the cold months but before it gets too hot.
Can you cut strawberry runners and plant them?
Yes, strawberry runners can be transplanted into a new area of the garden.
How often should you replant strawberries?
Strawberries should be replanted every few years when they grow too big for their current garden.
Do you need to replant strawberries?
Yes, strawberries will need to be replanted when the become too large for their current location and stop expanding.