STRAWBERRY CONTAINER SOIL PREPARATION

ernival62

I intend to grow year around strawberries in my heated greenhouse and to this end have several trough containers,ericaceous compost, good soil and a  two year old compost heap. 

What parts of this mix would be best to start ?

Fairygirl

I'd just use the soil and some homemade compost. If they're in a heated environment and under cover, the biggest problem will be keeping them from drying out, which they dislike. 
They'll appreciate some slow release food or tomato food once they start into growth properly, to encourage flower development and fruiting. They do need a fair bit of food and water to do well. 

ernival62

Thanks. 

With regard to watering.  I tried tomatoes last year and successfully watered them through percolation.  Water sucked up from the base from a reservoir beneath.  Would this method be suitable for strawberries?

Fairygirl

I expect so. Not something I've ever had to do here - strawberries are just left outdoors. Toms are grown undercover and watered in the usual way, with a watering can. 
You'll need to make sure they're pollinated if they're inside, although, like tomatoes, I expect some will be easier than others.

ernival62

The plants are due next week and, as I am away for six weeks in May/June I may postpone planting 
until after 2nd June so I can have an un-heated  greenhouse plus time to keep watered properly.  I will keep in touch with progress. I will prepare soil in containers as you have suggested in the meantime so it is all ready for planting.

Dovefromabove

While strawberry plants will remain dormant over winter if they've been properly chilled and are kept chilled, I doubt whether they will remain alive unplanted until June ... 

ernival62

Thank you for your valued advise.  I will act accordingly and let you know how things pan out.

Fairygirl

I don't know how many you have coming, but the best thing to do if you don't have the site prepped, is to just heel them in somewhere in the ground, or outside in pots or troughs, of soil or compost,  until you do. 

As @Dovefromabove says - you can't just leave them unplanted, or unattended, until next June. They won't survive. 

ernival62

24 strawberry plants due today. 

Last year my potatos produced green tomato like growths on the stalks.  I didn't realise at the time but have since found that they are potato seed pods (as opposed to seed potato's).  Is it worthwhile to use these seeds as opposed to seed potato's?

Fairygirl

I don't grow potatoes, so I can't advise on that, but most people would grow from properly produced seed potatoes to ensure a good crop. 
I expect you can grow them, but I don't know if it works well. 

ernival62

I will try both and compare.