Arrangement of strawberry containers for showcase
Get ready to add some eye-catching beauty and mouth-watering sweetness to your outdoor space with this straightforward guide on growing strawberries in a tiered planter.
We've taken things up a notch by planting strawberries in a chic, tiered design, creating a cascade of ruby red jewels for all to enjoy. While a traditional grassy knoll may be your go-to, consider elevating your strawberry game by transforming them into hanging masterpieces in planters, window boxes, or even hanging baskets. Scroll down to learn how to plant the perfect tiered strawberry planter.
What You'll Need:
- 10 Strawberry plants
- Tiered strawberry planter (but don't limit yourself to traditional options; get creative with unconventional containers like Grow Tubs or repurposed terracotta pots)
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Crocks (for unambiguous drainage in the planter)
- Broken terracotta pots, plastic pots, or large stones, to boost drainage as needed
Let's Get Planting:
Step 1
Place empty plastic plant pots at the bottom of the container to aid drainage and prevent compost from escaping.
Insight: Prevent Sogginess
Consumer Reports suggests that empty plastic pots are ideal for preventing compost from spilling out the base of your planter, allowing for effective drainage and preventing roots from drowning.[1]
Step 2
Half-fill the pot with the peat-free, multi-purpose compost, incorporating slow-release fertilizer granules. Mix in thoroughly with your hands.
Insight: Boost Nutrients
Slow-release fertilizer will provide steady nourishment for your plants, promoting healthier growth and higher yields.[2]
Step 3
Start planting the strawberry plants from the container's base, placing each gently in the compost and firming them in.
Step 4
Add more compost and fertilizer until you reach the second tier, adding more plants as necessary and firming them in place. Continue this process until you reach the top of the container.
Step 5
Add enough compost to fill the planter, leaving a 5cm gap from the rim for watering. Firm everything down to eliminate air pockets and ensure the roots are snug.
Insight: Aid Root Systems
A well-packed planter helps establish a sturdy root system, resulting in healthier plants.[3]
Step 6
Thoroughly water the planter before moving it to its final planting spot.
Kevin Smith's Pro recommendation
As your strawberry fruits start to form, turn the planter regularly to ensure even ripening and prevent rotting. Water the planter little and often, ensuring the soil never completely dries out.[4]
Growing Success in a Snap
By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the delectable fruits of your labor in no time. Happy growing!
[1] Consumer Reports. (2021, March 25). Best and Worst Vegetables and Herbs for Containers. https://www.consumerreports.org/gardening/best-worst-vegetables-and-herbs-for-containers/[2] University of Missouri Extension. (n.d.). Strawberries. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g1321[3] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. (2021, March 28). Container Vegetable Growing. https://extension.iastate.edu/globe/container-vegetable-growing[4] The Spruce Eats. (2019, May 2). How to Grow Strawberries in Containers. https://www.thespruceeats.com/growing-strawberries-in-containers-2602585
By incorporating the chic, tiered design into your home-and-garden, you can bring some elegance to your lifestyle with a cascade of ruby red strawberries. To elevate your strawberry planter, consider using unconventional containers like Grow Tubs or repurposed terracotta pots for a unique home-and-gardening project.
