Just one tablespoon under each plant and you will have a richer strawberry harvest than ever!

That sounds like a tempting gardening trick! It’s likely you’re referring to a soil amendment or fertilizer that provides strawberries with specific nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what might be used, and why:

Possible “One Tablespoon” Amendments:

• Epsom Salts (Magnesium Sulfate):
  • Why it works: Strawberries benefit from magnesium. Epsom salts can enhance their sweetness and overall health.  
  • How to use: Dissolve a tablespoon in water and water the plants, or sprinkle it directly around the base of the plant.
  • Caution: Too much Epsom salt can disrupt the soil’s pH.
• Bone Meal:
  • Why it works: Bone meal is rich in phosphorus, which is essential for root development and flowering, leading to a better harvest.  
  • How to use: Sprinkle a tablespoon around the base of the plant and gently work it into the soil.
  • Caution: Bone meal can raise soil pH, so it’s best for slightly acidic soils.
• Coffee Grounds:
  • Why it works: Coffee grounds add organic matter to the soil, slightly acidify it (which strawberries like), and provide small amounts of nitrogen.
  • How to use: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of the plant.
  • Important to know: fresh coffee grounds can impact the nitrogen present in soil. aged or composted grounds are much better for plants.
• A Balanced Fertilizer:
  • A slow-release granular fertilizer, with balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) values, could be what is refrenced.  
  • Strawberries benefit from balanced feeding.
  • Follow product instructions, as concentration values vary.

Key Factors for Strawberry Success:

• Soil pH: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-6.8).  
• Sunlight: They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Watering: Consistent watering is essential, especially during fruiting.  
• Mulching: Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.  
• Fertilization: Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer is beneficial.  

Important Note:

• While these amendments can boost growth, results may vary depending on soil conditions and other factors.
• Always test your soil’s pH before adding amendments.
• It is always best to follow the directions printed on any fertilizer product that you choose to use.

It is likely that a balanced fertilizer, or epsom salts are what the claim is based on.