Weeds compete with the strawberry plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Cultivation is the most practical control for home gardeners. Control weeds with frequent, light cultivation. Some hand weeding will also be necessary. Dacthal, a preemergence herbicide, may be applied during renovation to aid in control of annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds.
Gardeners can also apply a layer of straw between plant rows to help control weeds.
These runners should be placed back within the 2-foot row or removed to prevent the planting from becoming a solid mat of plants. Poorly managed beds may be productive for only 1 or 2 years. When berry size and numbers begin to decline, it's time to start planning for a new strawberry bed. Renovate the current strawberry planting one last time. After renovation, select a site for a new planting next spring.