Strawberries are undoubtedly one of the most delightful and sought-after fruits. Luckily, cultivating these summer favorites is relatively simple whether you have a garden bed, a strawberry tower, or a container. However, some home gardeners struggle to produce flavorful strawberries or only manage to harvest a small amount. The secret to a sweeter and more bountiful harvest often lies in choosing the right soil.
What to Look for in the Best Soil for Strawberries
Strawberries thrive in well-draining soil that retains a moderate amount of moisture to prevent the roots from drying out. They also require soil that is rich in nutrients. Here are our top recommendations for the best soil for strawberries:
Best Overall: Espoma AP16 16-Quart Organic Potting Mix
Best Bang for the Buck: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Container Mix
Best for Containers: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Best Moisture Retention: Burpee Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix
Best Nutrients: Pro-Mix Organic Vegetable and Herb Potting Mix
How We Selected the Best Soil for Strawberries
We conducted extensive research on various potting soil blends to curate this lineup. To make the cut, a potting soil had to drain well, retain moisture between waterings, and resist compaction – all factors that strawberries require. We also considered the reputation of the manufacturers, including both well-known brands like Espoma and smaller companies that create premium mixes. The result is a selection of top-notch products that will help you grow flavorful strawberries.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for the best soil mixes for growing strawberries were selected based on their ability to drain well, retain moisture, and resist compaction. These soil mixes are perfect for growing strawberries in containers and can also be used to improve soil quality in raised beds and garden beds.
Alternately, Create Your Own Soil Mix for Strawberries
While there are many commercially produced potting mixes available, you can also create your own homemade soil mixture that is perfectly suited for strawberry plants. To get started, gather compost, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and garden fertilizer.
Compost provides long-term nutrients and beneficial bacteria for strawberries, promoting healthy growth. Peat moss helps retain moisture and adds trace elements like nitrogen to the mix. Vermiculite improves soil aeration, while perlite, a manufactured material from heated volcanic glass, retains air and moisture while allowing water drainage.
Combine equal parts compost and peat moss in a large container. Add ΒΌ part each of vermiculite, perlite, and garden fertilizer. Mix them thoroughly until there are no lumps or clumps left.
Our Verdict
If you’re in search of the best soil for strawberries, our top recommendation is the Espoma AP16 16-Quart Organic Potting Mix. This versatile and organic formulation offers added natural nutrients that will ensure successful and flavorful strawberry growth. Though there are other options like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix and FoxFarm Strawberry Fields Potting Soil, we do not recommend them due to potentially harmful ingredients and negative environmental impact.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Soil for Strawberries
When choosing soil for strawberries, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Types of Strawberries
There are three main types of strawberries: June-bearing strawberries, everbearing strawberries, and day-neutral strawberries. Each type has its own characteristics and preferred growing conditions. June-bearing strawberries are better suited for garden beds and raised beds, while everbearing and day-neutral strawberries are ideal for containers.
Planting Site
Strawberries require a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. To protect the fruits from birds, place the strawberry plants away from other plants that attract them. Lightweight netting can also be used as a physical barrier.
pH Level
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.8. Test your soil’s pH level before making any amendments, as the amount of necessary adjustments depends on the existing pH level.
Drainage
Strawberry roots don’t tolerate standing water, so well-draining soil is essential. Coco coir and perlite are ingredients that encourage drainage and moisture retention. Additionally, ensure that containers have drainage holes.
Organic Matter
Strawberries thrive in soil enriched with organic matter such as compost, bark, and leaves. Look for soil mixes that contain organic matter or create your own by adding compost and other natural components.
Tips for Preparing Soil for Strawberries
To ensure successful strawberry growth, it’s beneficial to prepare the soil in advance and prioritize drainage. Here are a few tips:
- When growing strawberries in containers, place a layer of gravel at the bottom for proper drainage.
- Test the soil pH in garden or raised beds and make necessary amendments to achieve the optimal pH range.
- Add a balanced all-purpose fruit-and-vegetable fertilizer to the soil before planting, especially if your potting soil lacks nutrients.
FAQs
If you have questions about growing strawberries, we’ve got you covered. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Q. Is potting soil good for strawberries?
Potting soil can be an excellent choice for strawberries if it meets the requirements of good drainage, resistance to compaction, and contains necessary nutrients.
Q. How do I make soil more acidic for strawberries?
To make soil slightly more acidic, incorporate organic matter such as dry leaves or vegetable-based compost. Allow the amendments to fully incorporate into the soil for a month or more before planting.
Q. How deep should the soil be for strawberries?
Prepare the soil for strawberries by tilling and working soil amendments to a depth of 6 inches, as strawberry roots grow to about that depth. In containers, use pots that can hold at least 6 inches of soil.
Q. Which type of soil do strawberries prefer?
Strawberry plants thrive in rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. They also require well-draining soil that doesn’t compact.
Q. What conditions do strawberries grow best in?
Strawberries require good soil and ample sunlight. To ensure flavorful fruits, make sure they receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Why Trust Bob Vila
When it comes to home improvement, Bob Vila has been a trusted household name since 1979. With beloved TV series like “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized the do-it-yourself ethos. The Bob Vila team continues to provide expert guidance and advice on all things home and garden. Their recommendations are thoroughly researched and vetted to support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their projects.
Now that you have the best soil recommendations, get ready to grow delicious and bountiful strawberries in your garden or containers!