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It's been very dry lately, so I've had to water my crops on a daily basis. The poor plants need every drop they can get as my allotment has turned into a dustbowl.Despite the dry conditions, my strawberries have been fantastic this year. I've got

by nets, so only use it if you can check it regularly.More on growing strawberriesDeal with grey mouldon soft fruits.Grow early strawberries.Raise new strawberry plants.Plant up strawberries in a hanging basket.

.AdamTo help rooting, use a soil mix of three parts compost to one part sand.More advice on growing fruitGrow early strawberriesProtecting strawberriesTackle grey mould on soft fruitsMonty Don's favourite fruit varieties

. Keep them well watered and ventilate the greenhouse on hot days.As strawberries develop, cut off any long runners that grow as these will divert energy from the crop.Check pot-grown plants carefully as the fruit develops for signs of slug damage. And it

growing strawberries in pots. If I had more space outside, I'd build a 'berry bed' with a proper net-clad frame over it to keep birds away from ripening fruits. Blackbirds in particular have a nose for strawberries. They're not very good at sharing, so

Growing your own brings a host of benefits, like better freshness and saving money. One of the most important to me, is being able to choose specific crops that have the very best flavour.I think, what's the point in buying supermarket produce

.A thick layer of grey mould develops on soft fruits.The fungus survives on plant debris, so to reduce the risk of infection keep the soil clear around your soft fruit canes, and remove any damaged fruits.raspberries, strawberries, blackberries

pollinating insects.Water well to settle the compost and encourage the roots to grow. Start feeding once flowering has finished.AdamMix water-retaining gel and slow-release feed granules into the compost before planting.Don't plant strawberry plants too deep

Both the 1cm-long black adults and 1cm-long plump, white, legless, brown-headed larvae are a problem. The latter hide in the soil, and feed on roots (severing them) and bore into tubers from autumn to spring. Container plants are most at risk. The adults have six legs and a pair ...

for your pot as they have been known to climb walls.More advice on growing strawberriesLearn how to raise new strawberry plants.Follow our step-by-step guide to growing early strawberries.Protecting strawberries from pests and soil splashes.Plant up a