How to stop pests eating my strawberry?

[BismaAbbid]

Hi bunnings team,

I am new to gardening i planted alpine strawberries few months ago which was growing well someone start eating leaves from few weeks i sprayed leaf with eco bug spray , it wasnot working from last two weeks. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I spread slug bait around the pot but didn't help.Strawberry is also eaten today can you please tell me what can i do to save my strawberry as i donot know who is eating it.

Can you please tell me the little plant in the pics is runner as i am new to gardening donot know about runners and is the pot size is fine or i need to shift it in big pot as roots are coming out of pot and at this fruiting stage is it fine to repot.

[EricL]

Hello @BismaAbbid 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your strawberry plant. 

When you used the eco bug spray did you spray under the leaves as well? If not, I suggest spraying under the leaves for full coverage. There is something that's eating the leaves of your strawberry and it's difficult to tell what it is. I propose removing all the dead leaves and branches near the base of the strawberry plant. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their recommendations.

Eric

[BismaAbbid]

Thanks Eric sure i'll do under leaf spray and should i do spray on strawberries as well. I'll remove dead leafs thanks for advice.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @BismaAbbid,

The small plant you’re referring to could very well be a runner, which is a new plant that strawberries send out on long stems. Runners can take root and become a new plant, so they are a great way to propagate more strawberries.

As for the pot size, if you see roots coming out of the drainage holes, it likely means the plant is becoming root-bound and could benefit from a larger pot. Repotting during fruiting can be done, but be gentle to avoid disturbing the roots too much. Ideally, choose a pot that's at least 25-30cm wide to give your plant more room to grow.

If the plant is actively fruiting, just try to minimise stress during the repotting process, and it should continue to thrive.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Jason]

Hi @BismaAbbid,

Just thought I'd add that strawberries are of course delicious to us, as well as many other critters. A possum, mouse or rat could be the culprit that took a bite out of your fruit. Any evidence nearby of droppings that might indicate who is coming to visit?

Jason

[BismaAbbid]

MitchellMc i'll repot it in big pot thankds for advise.

[BismaAbbid]

Thanks Jason for advice if i found droppings in that case what can i do and i want to know can i put slug bait inside the pot is it safe or poisonous as it spread it around the pot.Can i put slug bait inside my lemon and orange plants as well is it safe.Can you please have a look on my tomato leaves are they fine or something happening as i am new to gardening🙂

   

doesn't know much about it.

Thanks.

Iam uplaoading pics as well.

   

[JacobZ]

Hi @BismaAbbid,

Different animals leave different droppings so they are something we can use to help identify what is eating your plant and recommend steps moving forward.

The instructions on the packaging of your slug pellets will let you know how they can be used. If you are using these Hortico Snail And Slug Pellets they are fine inside the pots as long as they are spread out and not heaped together.

Your tomatoes don't look too bad, they likely just need a drink. Some Scotts Osmocote Tomato Vegetable And Herb Controlled Release Fertiliser will also go a long way in helping them thrive.

Check out How To Grow Tomatoes and How To Maintain Healthy Tomatoes for some additional guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[BismaAbbid]

Thank you so much for your advise JacobZ i appreciated,i do have the same slug bait you mentioned.

I'll got the fertiliser you advised.

Thanks.