| Loori, I have two 2-foot long trough-shaped planters that I used last year, one for beans and the other for peas. As I understand, growing those enriches the soil with nitrogen, but doesn't do anything negative to the soil. I'd be more concerned if the soil had dried out completely though, might have to add some bulky stuff into it if that's the case. What I'm doing is adding a bunch of perlite into mine, and mixing a small bag of new miracle grow (use any brand) potting soil into the old soil, just to enrich it. I'm planting a bunch of flowers into there to change it up from the fruits/vegies/herbs I've always grown. If your soil dried out completely, I'd add a bunch more new soil into it, definitely grab a bag of perlite to throw in too, and maybe pick up some fertilizer to mix in to your watering can (I use a miracle grow tomato fertilizer in most things, seems pretty balanced and I already have it on hand). If possible, work that soil and some moisture into it for about a week before popping your strawberry plants into there, so it's not too 'dusty'. Let me know how it works out. I'm also growing strawberries this year, Tri-star and All-star, in shallower troughs that'll hang from the balcony top - I'm super excited to try it. :) |
