Garden questions for beginner

[peachybums]

Hi, im compleatly new to gardening. My moto up until now is 'just cut the bugger down' lol. Im wanting to learn though as DD1 has taken a big interest in gardening. I have a few questions...

We got some strawberries to plant. They said to soak the roots in water before planting in our pot with the crowns above the surface. How long do i soak the roots for?

What is the best way of getting rid of weeds between the patio without useing harsh chemicals? I dont mind doing it often but i dont like the idea of using chemical weed killer.

Last but now least we are wanting to paint our fence. What would be best to use? Do i need to prime it first? (its been treated but looks like last time it was done was about 20 years ago pmsl) Do i need to varnish?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help

I'm a learn as you go along type, so others may have different answers but I'd say

1. About half an hour, not more.

1. You can get hand tools which are like a curved blade for hooking out the weeds. Alternatively, get a weed burner. Good advice (as usual) from the Royal Horticultural Society here - I keep recommending this website because it has so much useful information.

1. Go down to your local garden centre and see what's on offer. Our fences haven't been painted for ages because I can't reach the through all the plants growing on them, but there are paints and stains which do the job in one or two coats. Varnish would look odd, I think.

Happy gardening!

Thanks a lot! I have planted the strawberries so we shall see how they go. Ive used a hoe to get rid of the weeds for now but no doubt they will be sprouting up again soon so will try a suggestion from the link.

Off to garden centre at the weekend to see what they have for the fence, it will probs rain then knowing my luck but hopefully not

Thanks again x