How to Grow Strawberries in Drums

Start outdoor strawberries in early spring for summer sunshine and growing. Strawberries need temperatures of 65 degrees F and above to grow, bloom and produce fruit. Put the drums open-side-up in locations with full sun for eight hours every day, with adequate air movement. Strawberries require bright sun and air circulation to grow and produce fruit, and fail in deep shade. Placing the drums before planting makes the process quicker and easier.

Mix a strawberry potting soil. Use 1 part bagged garden loam to 1 part organic compost for a loose, rich, quick-draining and moist foundation. Lay 1 inch of gravel in the bottoms of the drums to catch excess water, then fill each drum to within 1 to 2 inches of its brim with soil mixture. Turn 6-24-24 fertilizer into the top 4 inches of potting soil for more nutrition and stronger rooting.

Plant Everbearing or Dayneutral strawberry cultivars for compact growth and consistent harvest in container situations. Choose from such cultivars as Tristar, Tribute, Ozark Beauty, Quinalt and Fort Laramie. Plant the strawberry seedlings at every 10 to 15 inches in the drums, with the roots just under the soil and crowns at soil level. Strawberries don't do well in deep or shallow plantings.

Water each plant with 2 inches of water to settle the soil and lay 1 inch of organic mulch over the soil. Mulch protects soil moisture and warmth, and adds nutrition to the planting foundation as it breaks down. Put the strawberries on a schedule of 2 inches of water every week and test the soil regularly for drying; soil in containers dries more quickly than soil in the ground. Never allow the strawberries to go completely dry.

Fertilize strawberries with 12-12-12 granular fertilizer 30 to 40 days after planting to aid plant development. Turn the fertilizer into the soil around each strawberry plant, with 2 to 3 inches between fertilizer ring and plant, and water. Don't get fertilizer granules on the plant foliage or stems as it will burn.