Question

Strawberry seedlings   QUESTION: Hi I have grown some strawberry plants from seeds I got from regular strawberries from the grocery store. I am growing them in the same pot I planted them in and have used a good gardening soil that is meant for fruits and vegetables, and the pot is about 21 cm wide and 19 cm deep.

I live in Toronto Ontario, and the weather has been consistently warm for quite a while (currently an avegare of 25C or 77F during the day and 20C or 68F in the night). I have them outside on my balcony up where they catch good sun, and my balcony faces west.

I have attached a picture, and would like to know what to do to promote their fruiting, please feel free to ask anything further you'd like to know.

 Thank you very much for your help!

ANSWER: Dear Sophia,
Strawberry seeds from store strawberries are usually hybrid and may or may not produce fruit.  It does look like these may hold promise, however!  I'd suggest you give them adequate space, like maybe one of those hanging planters or separating these plants into more pots.  It looks like you're on to something, but the plants definitely have more maturing to do before they will produce fruit.  I'd suggest you separate them, give them more room, and continue doing what you're doing.
I wish you well and hope you enjoy a strawberry harvest.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response! I figured I'd need to separate them, but I am concerned about just when to do this, as they may have tender roots... When do you think I should go about doing this, considering that they would need time to recover before dormancy? Also, I think during thecolder months, I should bring them inside, correct?

Thank you very much Liz!

Answer
They will have very tender roots, but while transplanting, dig plenty of soil around each plant and fill the hollowed out the spot in the new pot with water before setting the young plants.  If you are going to leave the strawberries in pots, you should bring them in through the colder months.  If they are in the ground, cover them with straw for the winter.
Liz