Advice for Strawberries

[neverfullprice]

I am attempting to grow strawberries in a container. I got a 55gal rubbermade tub. Its abour 4" long and 2.5 ft wide. I drilled holes in the bottom for drainage. I added pea gravel at the bottom and then a mixture of compost, manure and Miracle grow garden soil. The plants are growing and I have had 2 small strawberries. I could only see one bloom today though.
I live in deep south texas so the weather is already hot (it was 96 today)
My question is, would it be a good idea to use shredded mulch under the plants to help with the moisture evaporation? I water them daily. The soil is still damp about 2-3 inches below the top. Do you think it is necessary to add mulch or something else?
I am pretty new to gardening and am really trying hard. On the other hand, my flowers and tomatos are doing great!
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[JANE4girls]

I have strawberry plants too and am in Katy, outside of Houston. I only water mine every few days. They are also in containers. It sounds like you are doing everything right. I only have a few blooms myself, I think it is early. Plus with the freaky weather hot one day cold the next I think it sends mixed signals to the plants, lol.

if you notice little sugar ants around your strawberries, sprinkle some coffee grounds (used) around the plants, it will keep the ants away

[aaronalita]

I could be wrong, because I am NOT a pro, but from what I have been told, strawberry plants take 2 years before you really get a good yield. Don't be surprised if they don't do so hot this first year. Next year will be better.

With the watering, I would let the soil get completely dry before watering them again. If that happens daily then so be it, but it may only happen every other day. Also, I wouldn't put them in all day direct sunlight. Find a place that gives them shade for part of the day so that their blooms and leaves don't fry. Container gardens tend to need more water than traditional gardens, so just keep an eye on the soil.

[candy_rh]

From what I've read, you should avoid letting any fruit develop the first year. Instead, pick off each blossom as soon as you see it - forming and ripening even a berry or two will weaken a plant so much that the following year's production will be cut drastically. They also only need 1-2 inches of water a week.

[shashabell]

I think strawberries like mulch around them too if I remember correctly. (like Pine tree needle mulch, hay, or straw.)