DIY Strawberry Fertilizer Plan for 3-Gallon Grow Bags

Great setup! Growing strawberries in a 3-gallon grow bag inside a 5-gallon bucket is smart—it helps with insulation, drainage, and portability. To make the most of this container setup, here’s a DIY food/fertilizer strategy specifically tailored to your situation:

🍓 DIY Strawberry Fertilizer Plan for 3-Gallon Grow Bags

🌱 1. Base Soil Mix (if you haven’t planted yet)

Mix this before planting or use as a top-up:

• 60% potting mix or coco coir

• 30% compost (homemade or bagged)

• 10% perlite or vermiculite (for drainage)

• Optional: Mix in 1 tbsp bone meal and 1 tbsp blood meal per bag

🔁 2. Ongoing Feeding Plan

Since grow bags drain fast and lose nutrients more quickly, feed more lightly and frequently.

✅ Biweekly Liquid Fertilizer (Every 2 Weeks)

Make this simple DIY "tea":

• 1 cup compost or worm castings

• 4 cups warm water

• 1 tsp molasses (optional but boosts microbes)

• Steep 1–2 days, strain, and water your grow bag with it.

🔁 Alternate with a potassium boost during flowering/fruiting:

• Banana Peel Tea

  • 1 chopped banana peel + 2 cups water

  • Soak for 24–48 hours, then use to water the plant

🧂 3. Monthly Dry Boost

Once a month, scratch this into the top inch of the grow bag:

• 1 tbsp bone meal (phosphorus for root/fruit)

• 1 tbsp wood ash or kelp meal (potassium)

• 1 crushed eggshell (calcium)

💧 Pro Tips for Bucket + Grow Bag Setup:

• Drainage: Ensure your bucket has holes at the bottom or sides so water can escape—strawberries hate soggy roots.

• Mulch the top with straw or pine needles to conserve moisture and keep berries clean.

• Sunlight: Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.