I have been given a half dozen well established healthy strawberry plants from a friend to transplant. I live 40m from the beach. The ground is very sandy. Would they be better put into pots with potting mix or into the sandy soil? Also should I trim the leaves back after transplanting to encourage new growth. My father in law suggests doing this.
I take 40m is 40 meters from the beach. I would suggest you see if you can find some composted grass clipping and a few dry dead leaves - even some seaweed. Go to Bunnings or nursery and buy a bag of composted manure. Mix these into your sand. Yes cut the leaves back on the plants - leave a couple of the small new leaves though. When you plant the crown make sure you don't cover it with soil. 6 plants isn't many, see if you can double or triple that. Plant in a raised row and then mulch around the plants. If intending to grow next year - start preparing your soil 2 months earlier by adding in manure, grass clippings, seaweed, tree leaves, house hold food scraps etc. Add these to your soil and wet and dig in each 2 weeks. You will build up your soil over a couple of years.
G'day Mike,
I completely agree with all before me with this little addition. When you go to Bunnings (we have brand new location) buy a 150l R***n Compost Bin and a worm farm. All your grass clippings, food waste except onions and citrus and even shredded paper will make you a terrific planting medium for your next crop of Strawberries and just about every thing else.
Cheers
Arismac
Mac - I have a compost heap in my old duck pen to put all my leaves grass clippings garden waste etc during my growing season. During the summer (no cropping) I start two in my garden. When the garden ones are near compost I spread them out and dig into the soil and turn over a couple of times. Add a bit of lime, phosphate, trace elements and worm tea. The person I purchased the worms from told me to use the worm castings rather than the leachate (run the farm a bit dry- no leachate produced). I just take some of the worm castings etc from the farm and put it on some shade cloth over a 20L drum and hit it with the hose.. Also he told me onion and citrus are ok if done in small amounts. I just put my scraps in a blender (with water) and then strain for a day in shade cloth over a 20l drum.
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.