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14 Apr 18 Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

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.

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16 Apr 18 Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

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.

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18 Apr 18 Mac (Australia - temperate climate)

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

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23 Apr 18 Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

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.

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