How to Grow Strawberries in Concrete Blocks

Mix 1 gallon each of potting soil, peat moss and perlite in a large container. Add 3 to 4 tbsp. 10-10-10 fertilizer and mix it in well. This makes a lightweight soil suitable for containers. Ordinary garden loam or potting soil compacts easily with water and is not suitable for container gardens.

Place the concrete blocks in an area that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The hours of sunlight do not need to be consecutive, but aim for at least 6 hours of total sun exposure.

Fill the holes in the concrete blocks 3/4 of the way full with the soil mixture. Plant one or two strawberry plants in each concrete block. Position the seedlings so the crown --the part of the plant where the roots meet the stem -- rests just at soil level and all roots are covered with soil. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil and firm them down with your hands to secure the plants.

Water the plants thoroughly until water runs freely through the bottom of the concrete block. Water again when the soil feels dry to the touch. Soil in containers dries quickly in the summer sun and may require daily watering, depending on the weather and the rate of growth of your strawberries.

Apply water-soluble fertilizer designed for fruiting plants, following the package's recommended strength, every 7 to 14 days during periods of active growth. Plants in containers require more frequent fertilizing than those grown in the soil, as nutrients leach through the bottom of the pot or concrete block and must be replaced.