When to Divide Strawberry Plants: A Guide for Gardeners

AvatarByArthur Cook Gardening

When to Divide Strawberry Plants

Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or cooked into a variety of dishes. They are also relatively easy to grow, but for the best results, it is important to know when to divide strawberry plants.

Dividing strawberry plants is a process of splitting them apart so that each plant has its own roots and crown. This can be done for a number of reasons, including to increase the size of your strawberry patch, to rejuvenate older plants, or to propagate new plants.

In this article, we will discuss the different reasons why you might want to divide strawberry plants, as well as the best time of year to do it. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to divide strawberry plants so that you can successfully grow more of these delicious fruits.

What is Dividing Strawberry Plants?

When you divide strawberry plants, you are essentially splitting them apart so that each plant has its own roots and crown. This can be done for a number of reasons, including:

  • To increase the size of your strawberry patch: By dividing your strawberry plants, you can quickly and easily create more plants. This is a great way to increase the amount of strawberries you can grow in your garden.
  • To rejuvenate older plants: Over time, strawberry plants can become overgrown and produce fewer berries. Dividing these plants can help to rejuvenate them and encourage them to produce more fruit.
  • To propagate new plants: If you want to share your strawberry plants with friends or family, or if you want to start a new strawberry patch, you can easily do so by dividing your existing plants.

When to Divide Strawberry Plants

The best time to divide strawberry plants is in the spring, just as the plants are starting to grow new leaves. This will give the plants plenty of time to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in.

However, you can also divide strawberry plants in the fall, after the plants have finished fruiting. This is a good option if you live in an area with cold winters, as it will help to protect the plants from the cold weather.

How to Divide Strawberry Plants

Dividing strawberry plants is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that the plants are successful.

1. Choose the right time of year. As mentioned above, the best time to divide strawberry plants is in the spring or fall.
2. Choose healthy plants. The plants you choose to divide should be healthy and vigorous. Look for plants that have plenty of new leaves and no signs of disease or pests.
3. Prepare the soil. The soil you plant your divided strawberry plants in should be well-drained and fertile. If your soil is not well-drained, you can add compost or sand to improve drainage.
4. Dig up the plants. To dig up the plants, use a shovel or garden fork to loosen the soil around the plants. Once the soil is loosened, carefully lift the plants out of the ground.
5. Divide the plants. Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to divide the plants into individual crowns. Each crown should have at least 3-4 leaves and a healthy root system.
6. Plant the divided plants. Plant the divided plants in the prepared soil. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart. Water the plants well after planting.

Caring for Divided Strawberry Plants

Once you have divided your strawberry plants, it is important to care for them properly so that they can thrive.

  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Mulch the plants to help keep the soil moist and protect the roots from the cold.
  • Control pests and diseases.

By following these tips, you can successfully divide your strawberry plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries.

When To Divide Strawberry Plants? Reason Tips
Early spring When the plants are dormant
  • Dig up the plant with a sharp spade.
  • Shake off the excess soil.
  • Cut the crown into 2-3 pieces with a sharp knife.
  • Replant the pieces in a sunny spot, 12-18 inches apart.
Late summer After the harvest is finished
  • Dig up the plant with a sharp spade.
  • Shake off the excess soil.
  • Cut the crown into 2-3 pieces with a sharp knife.
  • Replant the pieces in a sunny spot, 12-18 inches apart.

Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or in jams and pies. However, if your strawberry plants are not getting enough sunlight, water, or nutrients, they may start to decline. One way to help your strawberry plants thrive is to divide them. Dividing strawberry plants is a simple process that can help to rejuvenate old plants and create new ones.

Signs That Your Strawberry Plants Need to be Divided

There are a few signs that your strawberry plants may need to be divided. These include:

  • The plants are overcrowded. If the strawberry plants are too close together, they will not be able to get enough nutrients and water. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.
  • The plants are producing fewer berries. If the strawberry plants are not producing as many berries as they used to, it may be a sign that they are overcrowded and need to be divided.
  • The plants are starting to decline. If the strawberry plants are starting to look unhealthy, such as having yellow leaves or wilting, it may be a sign that they are too old and need to be replaced.

When to Divide Strawberry Plants

The best time to divide strawberry plants is in the spring, before the plants start to produce new growth. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in.

How to Divide Strawberry Plants

Dividing strawberry plants is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps.

1. First, carefully dig up the strawberry plant. Be sure to loosen the roots as much as possible so that they do not get damaged.
2. Once the plant is out of the ground, rinse the roots off to remove any dirt.
3. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the plant into sections. Each section should have at least three healthy leaves and roots.
4. Replant the sections in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water the plants well after planting.

Caring for Divided Strawberry Plants

Divided strawberry plants will need to be cared for in a similar way to un-divided plants. This includes providing them with plenty of sunlight, water, and nutrients.

  • Sunlight: Strawberry plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit.
  • Water: Strawberry plants need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Nutrients: Strawberry plants benefit from a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Troubleshooting

If your divided strawberry plants are not thriving, there are a few things you can check for.

  • The plants may not be getting enough sunlight. Make sure that the plants are in a location where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
  • The plants may not be getting enough water. Check the soil regularly and water the plants as needed.
  • The plants may not be getting enough nutrients. Fertilize the plants with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Dividing strawberry plants is a simple and effective way to help your plants thrive. By following these steps, you can enjoy fresh, delicious strawberries for years to come.

When to Divide Strawberry Plants?

Strawberry plants should be divided every 2 to 3 years to keep them healthy and productive. Dividing the plants also helps to control their size and spread.

The best time to divide strawberry plants is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. However, you can also divide them in the fall, as long as you do it before the ground freezes.

To divide strawberry plants, you will need to:

1. Dig up the entire plant.
2. Gently loosen the roots.
3. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections.
4. Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Water the plants well after planting.

Here are some additional tips for dividing strawberry plants:

  • Choose a day when the soil is moist but not wet.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns.
  • Work in a shady area to avoid the sun’s heat.
  • Be careful not to damage the roots of the plants.
  • Divide the plants so that each division has at least 3 to 4 healthy roots.
  • Replant the divisions immediately after dividing them.
  • Water the plants well after planting.

How to Divide Strawberry Plants

To divide strawberry plants, you will need to:

1. Dig up the entire plant.
2. Gently loosen the roots.
3. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections.
4. Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Step 1: Dig up the entire plant.

To start, carefully dig up the entire strawberry plant. Use a sharp spade or shovel to loosen the soil around the plant, then carefully lift it out of the ground.

Step 2: Gently loosen the roots.

Once the plant is out of the ground, gently loosen the roots. You can do this by gently pulling on the roots or by using a garden fork to loosen them.

Step 3: Divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections.

Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections. Each section should have at least 3 to 4 healthy roots.

Step 4: Replant the divisions.

Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space the divisions about 12 inches apart.

Water the plants well after planting.

Tips for Dividing Strawberry Plants

  • Choose a day when the soil is moist but not wet.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands from the thorns.
  • Work in a shady area to avoid the sun’s heat.
  • Be careful not to damage the roots of the plants.
  • Divide the plants so that each division has at least 3 to 4 healthy roots.
  • Replant the divisions immediately after dividing them.
  • Water the plants well after planting.

Dig up the entire plant.

To divide strawberry plants, you will need to start by digging up the entire plant. This can be done by using a sharp spade or shovel to loosen the soil around the plant, then carefully lifting it out of the ground.

Once the plant is out of the ground, you will need to gently loosen the roots. You can do this by gently pulling on the roots or by using a garden fork to loosen them.

Gently loosen the roots.

Once the roots are loosened, you can begin to divide the plant. To do this, use a sharp knife or spade to cut the plant into 2 or 3 sections. Each section should have at least 3 to 4 healthy roots.

Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the plant into 2 or 3 sections.

Once you have divided the plant, you can replant the divisions. To do this, dig a hole in the ground that is about twice the size of the root ball. Place the root ball in the hole and fill in the hole with soil.

Water the plants well after replanting.

Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Strawberry plants need to be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Water the plants well after planting.

When should I divide strawberry plants?

  • Answer: The best time to divide strawberry plants is in the spring, after the last frost. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in.
  • Why should I divide strawberry plants?
  • Dividing strawberry plants helps to keep them healthy and productive. As strawberry plants grow, they become overcrowded and produce fewer berries. Dividing the plants helps to spread out the roots and crown, which encourages new growth and more fruit production.
  • Dividing strawberry plants also helps to prevent disease. When plants are overcrowded, they are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Dividing the plants helps to reduce the risk of infection.
  • How do I divide strawberry plants?

1. Choose a day when the soil is moist but not wet.
2. Dig up the strawberry plant carefully, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Rinse the roots off to remove any dirt.
4. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the plant into 2-4 sections, each with a healthy crown and roots.
5. Replant the divided plants in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
6. Water the plants well and apply a light layer of mulch.

What are the signs that a strawberry plant needs to be divided?

  • The plant is producing fewer berries than it used to.
  • The leaves are yellowing or wilting.
  • The roots are starting to grow out of the pot or garden bed.
  • The plant is starting to crowd other plants in the pot or garden bed.

How do I care for newly divided strawberry plants?

  • Water the plants regularly, especially during dry weather.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month.
  • Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Protect the plants from pests and diseases.
  • Harvest the berries when they are ripe.

What are some tips for successfully dividing strawberry plants?

  • Choose a healthy, vigorous plant to divide.
  • Use a sharp knife or garden shears to divide the plant.
  • Make sure each division has a healthy crown and roots.
  • Replant the divisions in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  • Water the plants well and apply a light layer of mulch.
  • Protect the plants from pests and diseases.
  • Harvest the berries when they are ripe.

    When to Divide Strawberry Plants?

When to divide strawberry plants is a common question among gardeners. The answer depends on a few factors, including the type of strawberry plant, the climate, and the desired yield.

Spring is the best time to divide most strawberry plants. This is because the plants are actively growing and will recover quickly from the division. However, it is important to note that some strawberry varieties, such as everbearing strawberries, can be divided in the fall as well.

When dividing strawberry plants, it is important to follow a few steps:

1. Choose a healthy, mature plant to divide.
2. Dig up the plant carefully, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Rinse the roots off to remove any dirt.
4. Cut the plant into several sections, each with at least three healthy roots.
5. Replant the divisions in a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
6. Water the plants well and fertilize them monthly.

With proper care, your divided strawberry plants will produce a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries in no time!

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.