I am not an expert, but I have/am growing strawberries. It sounds like you planted them too close together. If you have space elsewhere, you could try transplanting some to a different bed now. Or, you could wait until after next spring’s harvest and thin/transplant then.

You planted them too close. I used to grow strawberries in a 4x8 raised bed, and they were spaced 18" apart. That worked for me. Keep in mind that once you plant strawberries, the upkeep never ends. Crowded plants will produce few berries and will be susceptible to diseases (mold, etc.).

As the mother plants produce runners with daughter plants, you have to let the babies root (that's why you need open soil all around the mother plant). After a couple of seasons, you remove the mother plants (at this point they will not be very productive) and you let the daughter plants take over. They will produce the "grand-daughter" plants, and so on, and so on....

It always broke my heart to remove these healthy old plants but it has to be done. As I said, they will not produce much after 2-3 seasons. Best time to renew your bed is just after the harvest is finished.

Jeanwedding, you don't mention your location, so I'm not sure what advice to give you on other issues. You should definitely mulch with straw, but when and how much depends on your climate.

well I bought quite a few varieties. too many really but I put twenty five in 3 by7 ft beds.

a separate variety in each bed all install hoop houses made from 2 C Panels too.

I am trying to give away babies. can't get any takers.... I tried to mark the original plants with bamboo skewers and or a red straw over it or a red. plastic spoon or fork. Unfortunately they got messed up while installing soaker hoses an other small fences when I put in several Green beans bush plants

plants.....

I dont know why it DOES NOT show zone 6 Ky like it used too next my name