Tips for the Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter

Soil Type

• Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planters should be filled half-full with the appropriate soil mixture. Strawberries thrive best with well-drained soil. In a large bucket, combine 2 parts sand with 1 part peat moss and 1 part potting soil, advises Texas A&M University. Using straight potting soil will retain too much moisture and compact the soil, suffocating the root system.

  The soil pH levels affect strawberry fruit yield and the health of the plant. Maintain soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5, advises North Carolina State University.

Plant Selection

• Various strawberry cultivators and hybrids are available; select a strawberry variety for your growing zone. Choose plants that are compact and primarily green. Avoid plants with leggy foliage, brown leaves or spots. Choosing healthy starter plants is imperative to successfully growing in the Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter. Plant a maximum of two plants per planter. Ideally, one plant per container is best.

Watering

• Proper watering is essential for plants to survive in a Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter. Soil should never be soaked or soggy. Insert a finger into the bottom of the container, near the plant's center. Wait to water if the soil is damp or wet. Use scissors to create a small drainage hole near the bottom of the Topsy Turvy strawberry planter if the soil remains wet or soggy. This will allow additional soil drainage when the plant is watered. Ensure the soil remains moist during the blooming and strawberry development period. Reduce water and allow soil to dry after harvesting.

Harvesting

• Pick strawberries every other day, removing the fruit and at least 1/2 inch of stem, recommends Purdue University. Avoid jerking the strawberries off of the plant. Pinch them or use a pair of sterilized scissors to remove them from the plants. Picking the strawberries regularly increases fruit yields.