Watch how to simply turn a cheap laundry basket into a planter with yummy strawberries.

Growing your own strawberries can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. With their sweet taste, vibrant colors, and the versatility to be used in a variety of dishes, it’s no surprise that many gardeners choose to cultivate these delightful fruits. One effective and space-saving way to grow strawberries in your garden is by creating a DIY strawberry planter. Not only does this allow you to maximize your garden space, but it also provides an attractive and functional addition to your garden.

There are several different types of DIY strawberry planters to choose from, including tiered pots, wooden towers, and hanging planters. Tiered pots typically involve nesting pots of various sizes on top of one another and filling each level with strawberry plants. Wooden towers, on the other hand, involve constructing a vertical structure with staggered holes for planting individual strawberry plants, making it possible to grow a large number of plants in a small area. Lastly, hanging planters provide a unique and flexible solution, allowing the strawberries to cascade gracefully from above.

Regardless of which planter style you choose, growing your own strawberries in a DIY planter can be a fun and fruitful project. By carefully selecting the right planter design for your individual needs and properly caring for your plants, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries straight from your own garden.

Choosing the Right Planter

Vertical Strawberry Planter

Vertical strawberry planters are perfect for small spaces, as they allow you to grow multiple plants in a compact area. They can be made from various materials, such as PVC tubes or stack-a-pot planters. Growing strawberries vertically minimizes the horizontal space required, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or small gardens.

Hanging Strawberry Planter

Hanging strawberry planters offer flexibility in terms of placement, as they can be hung from various structures such as fences, walls, or even tree branches. These planters can be made using materials like grow bags or hanging baskets. The key advantages of hanging planters are air circulation around the plants and the reduced risk of soil-borne diseases.

Wooden Strawberry Planter

Wooden strawberry planters, such as wooden towers or pyramid planters, offer a natural and aesthetically pleasing option. To build a wooden planter, choose rot-resistant wood like cedar or redwood. Be sure to leave enough space between the plants for proper airflow and sunlight exposure.

Pallet Strawberry Planter

Pallet planters are an eco-friendly choice, utilizing reclaimed pallets to create a unique strawberry planter. By positioning the pallets vertically against a garden wall, they can act as a green wall adorned with red strawberries. Ensure the pallets are safe for gardening use (i.e., free from toxic chemicals) and secure them to avoid tipping hazards.

Container Strawberry Planter

Container strawberry planting offers versatility in choosing the type of planter to suit your space and aesthetic preferences. Some options for container planters include:

• 3-tier planters: These have multiple levels, allowing for increased growing space with minimal horizontal footprint.
• Cinder block planters: Durable and budget-friendly, cinder blocks can be arranged to create a sturdy planter.
• Pots and barrels: Simple, portable, and customizable, strawberry pots and barrels are versatile choices for planting.

When selecting a container, ensure it has proper drainage to prevent root rot and choose a potting mix suitable for strawberries.

Materials and Tools

When creating a DIY strawberry planter, there are several materials and tools that you’ll need to gather. The main components include containers or pots, potting soil, and strawberry plants. It’s crucial to choose materials that will provide adequate support and drainage.

Containers can be made of various materials such as cedar wood, terracotta pots, wooden pallets, cinder blocks, or plastic containers. Cedar is a popular option for wooden planters due to its natural resistance to pests and moisture. Terracotta pots are a great choice for their sturdiness and breathability. Wooden pallets and cinder blocks can be used to create rustic and compact designs, while plastic containers provide a lightweight and portable option.

Vertical planters, such as a tiered planter or a strawberry pyramid, can be built using PVC pipes or wooden planks. To build these, you’ll need:

• PVC pipe with a diameter of 1-2 inches (optional)
• Wooden planks for structure (if using wood)
• Potting soil rich in nutrients
• Strawberry plants or seedlings
• Drill with a 2-inch diameter hole saw
• Sandpaper
• Caps for PVC pipe ends (optional)

In addition to the primary materials, you may want to utilize a watering system such as a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to ensure consistent watering. Other tools that may be necessary include a circular saw, hand saw, or a brad nailer with 1-inch brad nails.

Paint can be used to add a personal touch to your planter, especially if you’re using materials like wooden boxes or pallets. However, be sure to use only non-toxic, outdoor-rated paint to avoid introducing harmful chemicals to your strawberry plants.

Consider the optimal location for your planter to ensure it receives sufficient sunlight and remains free of pests. A backyard or patio can be an ideal location for most gardeners.

Overall, constructing a DIY strawberry planter may require various tools, materials, and a well-thought-out design to support your plants and provide a successful harvest. By considering your preferred design, available space, and desired materials, you can create a planter tailored to your needs, whether it be a compact vertical design or a portable container suitable for small spaces.

DIY Strawberry Planter Ideas

Tiered Strawberry Planter

A tiered strawberry planter is an excellent choice for gardeners with limited space who want a fruitful strawberry harvest. To create a DIY 3-tier strawberry planter, use three pots of varying sizes: small, medium, and large. Fit them inside one another, fill with soil, and plant the strawberry plants. This design allows for ample room to grow strawberries while taking up minimal space.

Space-Saving Strawberry Planter

For those living in apartments or with limited outdoor space, a space-saving strawberry planter is worth considering. One option is a vertical planter, which can be made using galvanized sheet metal pipes, end caps, chains, S-hooks, rings, and other materials. Create holes in the pipes, attach the chains and rings, and hang them. This vertical planter enables gardeners to grow strawberries in a compact, efficient manner.

Rustic Strawberry Planter

Integrate a rustic vibe into your garden or patio by crafting a wooden strawberry tower planter. Construct the tower from narrow wooden planks and stagger holes on the sides for the strawberry plants. To stabilize the tower, push it 1 foot into the ground. For added functionality, insert a small pipe with holes in the center of the tower to serve as an irrigation system. This rustic approach is not only visually appealing but also highly functional.

Patio and Balcony Strawberry Planter

A patio or balcony planter is perfect for those who prefer a more refined look for their outdoor space. To create one, choose a terra-cotta strawberry jar or a cedar planter box. Fill the planter with a mix of lightweight potting soil and perlite. Add succulent plants like hens and chicks (Sempervivum) or stonecrop (Sedum), along with your strawberry plants. This combination creates a visually stunning planter, perfect for enhancing your patio or balcony decor.

By implementing these DIY strawberry planter ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy a lovely and bountiful strawberry harvest, regardless of your available outdoor space.

Planting and Care Tips

Soil and Nutrients

When planting strawberries in a DIY planter, use a high-quality, general-purpose potting mix to ensure proper nutrients and soil structure. Strawberries require rich, loamy, well-draining soil that retains moisture. Add a slow-release fertilizer or mix in organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to boost the nutrient content of the soil.

Water Drainage

Adequate water drainage is crucial for the health of your strawberry plants, as they are prone to root rot if sitting in stagnant water. Incorporate perlite, sand, or vermiculite into the potting mix, to improve drainage. Drill holes in the bottom of your planter, if it doesn’t have built-in drainage, to avoid waterlogged soil. Water your strawberries with 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season, aiming for consistently moist but not soaking wet soil.

Sunlight

Provide your strawberry plants with at least eight hours of full sun daily for optimal fruit production. Placing your planter in a south-facing or sun-soaked area ensures maximum sun exposure. Less exposure can result in a smaller harvest. Make sure to rotate your container periodically, so that all sides of the planter receive equal sunlight.

Pest Control

Monitor your strawberry plants for common pests like slugs, aphids, and spider mites. To deter pests, use organic methods such as:

• Introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs or lacewings, to prey on pests.
• Spraying a mild solution of water and dish soap on plants to remove and repel pests.
• Installing copper barriers or applying diatomaceous earth for slug control.

Regularly inspect and maintain the health of your strawberry plants by removing diseased or dead leaves and fruit, and trimming off weak or overcrowded growth. This helps to keep your DIY planter productive and reduces the risk of pest infestations.