How to Make Strawberry Potting Mix

Strawberries are well-suited to large containers.

Strawberries grow well in large planters, half barrels, window boxes or other containers in sunny locations. Growing them in containers can eliminate problems such as poorly drained soil, animal pests and compacted soil. The containers need not be deep because strawberries have shallow roots, but you need a container with a large surface area to produce an ample crop. Strawberries need an organically rich soil that drains freely.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Large plastic storage container with lid
• Agricultural sand
• Well-rotted manure or compost
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Dig soil from an established garden bed and place it in a large plastic storage container. Dig enough soil to equal about half the volume of potting mix you will need to fill your containers.

2. Add sand equal to about half the volume of soil in the storage container. Sand keeps the soil loose and improves the drainage.

3. Add well-rotted manure or compost equal to the volume of sand that you added to the container. Compost and manure enrich the potting mix with organic material and improve the mix’s ability to hold water.

4. Add 1/2 cup of complete fertilizer for every 8 gallons of potting mix.

5. Stir to mix well and fill your containers. Store the remaining soil in the covered container.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill the bottom half of large containers with clean plastic water or soda bottles. Your container will be lighter and easier to move, and you’ll save on potting soil.

• Small containers need careful watching. They dry out quickly when placed in sunny locations where strawberries thrive, and they need frequent fertilization to keep up with the nutritional needs of strawberries.

References

• Utah State University Extension; Strawberries for the Home Garden; Michael Pace, et al.; April 2001
• National Gardening Association; Growing Strawberries in Small Spaces; Charlie Nardozzi