Never buy strawberry plants again thanks to expert's simple free fruit trick
Few fruits embody the quintessential British summer quite like strawberries – so if you want to grow more of them without buying new plants or seeds in the shop, follow this easy tip.
Not only do they taste delicious, strawberries are a great item to grow in your garden because they last for a long time. Gardening expert Garden With Ish explains on his TikTok channel that the strawberry plant is 'super hardy'. Therefore, it can be kept in a bucket over winter and it will come back 'just as happy and healthy', producing about two to three years more of good strawberries.
READ MORE: Gardeners urged to check their house plants as four pests move in
However, if you particularly like a batch of strawberries and are wondering where to get more of them, there is an easy trick you can pull off to keep your berry yields coming. Garden With Ish explains that clue is 'right under your nose'. This is because strawberries already naturally have a way of reproducing themselves.
'Strawberry plants throw out these stems known as runners,' he says. 'If you're not sure where to find the runner, you can see it's extra long and quite literally running away from the plant.'
'The runner is a strawberry's way of creating a brand new strawberry plant and a clone of itself. Eventually this tall bit here will start to curl round and it will develop nice big leaves.'
The 'tall bit' he refers to is the part of the runner from which the new plant will emerge. These are typically produced in late summer or early autumn after fruiting season.
He adds that you will also see a 'little stump' on the end of the runner which contains roots. If you stick this directly in some soil and leave it for a few weeks, he says it will make a 'brand new' strawberry plant. He recommends leaving the runner connected for as long as possible to the mother plant, as this way it will absorb more nutrients.
Once the runner starts to establish itself, you'll see the mother stem wither away. At this point, he says: 'You can simply nip it off. Just like that you've got a brand new strawberry plant.'
However, in the first year of growing your new plant, he recommends cutting off the runners. This is because it will redirect energy and nutrients back to the main plant, so you can get the most out of your fruit.
Commenters thanked Gardening With Ish for the helpful tip. 'I had two plants and by doing this I now have 22,' one wrote.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
7 hours ago
- Scotsman
Mackerel are definitely in the Forth
It is just after 8pm on a beautiful night with an almost flat calm sea and light breeze on the River Forth. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Six happy anglers celebrate as we pulled into the dockside. They say goodbye then lifted a crate, yes a crate, laden with mackerel, all taken in a two-hour trip. Two strong guys struggled to carry the container up the jetty and the fish were, they said, destined for a home-built smoker in one of their gardens. They showed us a picture, it was indeed sizeable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad One, a Romanian, fishing at the stern of the boat, was particularly adept. On four occasions, he hooked into five mackerel at one time on his rig, five silver dressed hooks. Leanne Taylor (right) with another successful angler, Graham Brazenall. Others on the well-appointed and spotlessly clean catamaran, operated by Forth Sea Safaris, were not so lucky, yet they were only a few paces away. Green and pink tinged hooks, some with beads and some without, were attached and they did attract, but not in the volume of our Romanian friend who left the boat with his clothes covered in fish scales. He was knackered with the effort, but smiles better having made the trip. He knew how to plunder the darting and surprisingly strong fish from the depths. No real science to it. Drop feathers overboard, don't cast as that is dangerous - gulls and gannets can attack the hook – and you need a weight strong enough to take the feathers through the water column. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Some fish were tempted on the drop, others near the bottom. Let the weight hit the deck and lift it around two turns on the reel then jig the feathers up and down. We all did it, but the tactic worked better for some than for others. The anglers who hooked into mackerel on board the Forth Sea Safaris boat out of Burntisland take a selfie It does make one jealous, however, when somebody close catches and you don't, but that's the joy, or not, of fishing. However, everybody went home with some and is no surprise the hard-fighting fish are so eagerly sought by local anglers. Locals shouted to us from the harbour wall as we came in asking how we had fared. They were struggling in their quest for the sliver scaled fish which are considered healthy and nutritious. Mackerel are, according to experts, packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Regularly consuming mackerel, loved on the Continent, but once shunned by British shoppers, but not any more, has been linked with numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, brain function and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, you either love mackerel or loathe them. I'm in the loathe camp, I'm afraid, even when converted to mackerel pate, smoked or unsmoked. Grilling or pan frying are popular methods which allegedly highlight the flavour. Our Romanian colleague said: 'My freezer had about 40 last year. This time, I'll keep about 20 and then give to friends and neighbours.' Then he departed. Forth Sea Safaris are based at the East Dock Harbour, only a two minute walk from Burntisland Station and many groups take the train, some from Edinburgh Waverley. The dock is a 20 minute drive from the Forth Road Bridge and parking is at the top of the jetty. The boat, which can be chartered for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, and has also been used for ashes scattering and a marriage proposal, is equipped with the latest navigation and safety equipment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The twin engine craft, with Stuart at the helm, welcomes youngsters aged 15 but they must be looked after by a parent or guardian. Leanne, no mean fisherman herself, is on hand to sort out issues, like tangles which do happen, particularly with inexperienced anglers using several hooks. A maximum of three is recommended. Equipment can be hired and Leanne confirmed: 'This is prime mackerel season and we have availability in the coming weeks, with trips every Friday night and Saturday morning.' Young people, she said, love the experience of landing a fish, particularly their first, and it is rare that anglers don't catch. Wearing appropriate clothing is advised as it can get cold out in the Forth which can also get choppy, and seasickness is unpleasant, to say the least. However, lets accentuate the positive, it can be great fun. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Elsewhere, there are three legs left of the ten-leg, summer series run by the Bass Rock Shore Angling League and Craig Ogilvie leads the race for the title with 34 points. The North Berwick-based angler is six ahead of Jimmy Green from Musselburgh with club chairman, Alan Brown (West Barns), third on 26 points. James Ogilvie (Haddington), the club secretary, is fourth with 20 points and Graham Meadows (St Boswells) fifth on 19 points. Brown won round seven with a rockling of 27cm, one centimetre ahead of new member Dave Ellis who was second on his debut. Fishing was 'dire' off the sea wall at Dunbar with only two cards being handed in. On to coarse angling and Colin McKerrell (Glasgow) had the stand out weight in the second round of the Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling float only series at Strathclyde Park. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He totalled 775g but weed made life difficult for entrants who fished the far side of the boating pond at the south end of the loch. Robert Neill-Took (Glasgow) was second with 445g and Heather Lauriston (Cumbernauld), a member of the Edinburgh and Lothians Coarse Angling Club (ELCAC), third on 425g. Organiser Gus Brindle (Dunfermline) was fourth with 325g and James Dornom (Currie, Midlothian), a Scottish international, fifth with 230g. The third and final round is on Sunday, August 31 and pegs will be confirmed nearer the date. ELCAC host March 6 of their ten-leg summer series at Orchil near Auchterarder on Saturday (July 26).
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major garden retailer slashes cost of gorgeous blue hydrangeas that ‘bloom 30 flowers in first season' from £40 to £20
Scroll down to find out how to get your hydrangeas to bloom until October FLOWER POWER Major garden retailer slashes cost of gorgeous blue hydrangeas that 'bloom 30 flowers in first season' from £40 to £20 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE garden retailer has slashed the price of stunning blue hydrangeas by half. Hydrangeas make a gorgeous edition to any garden, and are loved by gardeners thanks to their huge, luscious blooms. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 These gorgeous hydrangeas have been slashed in price Credit: Gardening Express 2 The huge flowers can bloom until October Credit: Gardening Express Their vibrant colours and large size mean they instantly elevate any garden, and the monstrous plants can grow up to 30 flower heads during their first flowering season. If you're looking to transform your garden into a haven this summer, and make your outdoor space the envy of your neighbours, hydrangeas are undoubtedly a great choice. And if you're a garden lover on a budget, Gardening Express is currently selling huge blooms for just £19.99, down from £40. The plants come in 10-litre pots, and are perfect for beds, borders or planters. The XXXL Mophead plant has giant blue blooms, which can grow to the size of footballs when fully grown. The flowers will last for the entire summer, before fading to a purple colour during autumn. If your garden soil is heavy in alkaline, the blooms turn from blue to pink, and can even turn a lavender colours, depending on the soil's PH. Each winter, you should cut the plant near ground level, and watch new stems pop up in the new year. Gardening Express said: "Wow! These plants are monsters, and can be expected to throw out up to 30 strong flower heads during their first flowering season in your garden. "A wonderful Hydrangea variety with huge flowers, often found in high class florist bouquets, it has really massive blooms." I'm a gardening pro – my simple tip will revive 'dead' hydrangeas in seconds How to get hydrangeas to bloom until October A TikTok flower expert has revealed her top three tips for gardeners to know to keep their hydrangeas blooming through to October. By doing these things, it will help stop the flowers turning "brown and crispy", as temperatures heat up. One sister from the popular TikTok duo, Miller Flowers, shared the advice online which attracted a number of comments, likes and shares from garden enthusiasts. The first tip is around watering, as "hydrangeas are plants that love water". The 5 best flowers to help bees to thrive Nature experts at Faith In Nature have shared the 5 best flowers Brits can plant in their gardens to help bees thrive. Rebecca Miller, Fabulous' Associate Editor and keen gardener explains why "bees are brilliant". "They are vital. They pollinate our food and play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But climate change, the increasing use of pesticides and loss of habitat means bees are endangered. No matter how big your garden or outside space is, you can plant a flower or two to help bees." Lavender Lavender can thrive in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It's fragrant and flowers all-summer-long meaning it's a big hit with bees - especially bumble bees. Sunflowers This cheery flower giant are bee-magnets. And if you look closely at a sunflower head, the big 'flowers' are actually a cluster of small flowers, called an inflorescence which attract pollinators. Ideally, grow sunflowers in groups to provide nectar and pollen for as many bees as possible. At the end of summer, collect the dried seeds from the sunflower heads to feed the birds or plant next year. Heather These abundant, bell-shaped blooms are brimming with nectar and pollen – which is good news for bees. Cornflowers A vivid blue wildflower, cornflowers are often planted alongside other meadow blooms, like ox-eye daisies and poppies. They grow on tall stems and are packed with nectar, making them particularly attractive to bees. Cornflowers bloom for a long time and are simple to grow, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners and experienced alike. Crocuses (and snowdrops) Later this summer, when you're starting to plan for your Spring displays, consider crocuses and snowdrops. They provide bees, such as the queen buff-tailed bumblebee and male hairy-footed flower bees, with vital early pollen as they emerge from their winter hibernation. It is recommended to water them three times a week, for ten minutes. Where the hydrangeas are positioned in the garden is also a valuable component to consider for their optimal flowering. Hydrangeas need both sun and shade. A little fertilisation can be particularly useful for hydrangeas in climates where it is continually warm. It can encourage more blooms, and help them deal with heat. However, it is not always necessary, also depending on the soil used, and time of the year.
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- The Guardian
Benjamina Ebuehi's recipe for strawberry and custard doughnuts
I don't make doughnuts very often, but few things are better than the first bite of a freshly fried, pillowy-soft one, sugar-coated lips and all. When it comes to fillings, custard just about beats jam for me, but who's to say you can't have both? So, to satisfy everyone, I've filled these doughnuts generously with a thick vanilla custard and a speedy strawberry jam. Prep 15 min Prove 1 hr 45 min+ Cook 1 hr 45 min Makes 9 For the custard 4 egg yolks 50g caster sugar 25g cornflour 400ml milk½ tsp vanilla bean paste 100ml double cream For the strawberry jam250g strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped100g caster sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice For the dough360g bread flour, plus extra for dusting 7g dried instant yeast 55g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling ½ tsp salt 100ml milk1 large egg 40g unsalted butter, softened1 litre vegetable or sunflower oil Make the custard by beating the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour in a bowl until smooth. Put the milk and vanilla in a small saucepan and heat gently until steaming. Pour a big splash of the hot milk mix on to the eggs, whisk well, then whisk in the remaining milk. Pour back into the saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, over a medium heat, until thick and bubbling. Pour the custard into a clean bowl, cover with clingfilm so it touches the surface, and leave to cool completely before chilling in the fridge. To make the strawberry jam, put the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a small pan and bring to a boil. Simmer for seven to nine minutes, until softened and jammy, using the back of a spoon to mash any large pieces of fruit. Set aside to cool, then spoon into a piping bag. To make the dough, put the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix to combine. Make a well in the centre, pour in the milk, water, egg and softened butter, and knead on low speed for six to seven minutesrest uncovered in the bowl for five minutes. Knead again for five minutes, until the dough is smooth and supple and isn't sticking to the sides of the bowl, then transfer to a lightly greased bowl, cover and prove in a warm place for one or two hours, until nearly doubled in size. Knock out the air, turn out the dough on to a well-floured surface and roll the dough into a rectangle about 1¼cm thick. (If it keeps springing back, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.) Use a round cutter to stamp out nine doughnuts, re-rolling the dough if needed. Put each doughnut on a small square of greaseproof paper, cover with a damp tea towel and prove for 30-40 minutes, or until puffy. Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan until it reaches 175C. Fry two or three doughnuts at a time (no need to peel off the greaseproof paper; it will float in the oil so you can pick it out) for a minute and a half to two minutes per side, until deeply golden. Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a plate lined with kitchen paper and repeat with the remaining dough. Once they're cool enough to handle, put some caster sugar on a shallow plate and roll each doughnut around until covered. Remove the custard from the fridge and whisk well to remove any lumps. Lightly whip the double cream to soft peaks, then fold into the custard; transfer to a piping bag. Using a skewer, make a hole in the top of each doughnut and fill with custard and jam. Serve immediately.
