3 Pretty Planting Ideas for Strawberry Pots That Aren't Strawberries
While a strawberry pot is often used to grow strawberries (hence its name), there are plenty of other uses for this type of planter. For example, if you want to grow flowers to add a little color to your garden or front porch, keep your favorite herbs close at hand, or show off your succulent collection, this hole-filled container has nearly endless possibilities. Find out what a strawberry pot is, and get planting tips and ideas to help you make the most of this unique planter.
What is a Strawberry Pot?
A strawberry pot, also called a strawberry jar or strawberry planter, is a container that has several open pockets scattered randomly around the sides of it. The idea is to place a strawberry plant at the top of the container and then the strawberry runners could grow daughter plants in the openings around the sides. This system allows you to grow several strawberry plants in the same "footprint" where you could grow just one.
Usually made from porous terracotta, strawberry pots are also designed to provide the excellent water drainage that strawberry plants require. Despite the name of the planter, this container is ideal for just about any plant because well-drained soil will benefit whatever you want to grow.
While terracotta is a popular material used for strawberry pots, other materials like more lightweight plastic and fiberglass are also available. There are even vertical hanging bags that serve the same purpose. Some planters have a lip under each of the side pockets, which helps retain soil. While this may look aesthetically pleasing, it can make the planting process more challenging.
How to Plant in a Strawberry Pot
Begin adding moist potting soil to the bottom of the strawberry pot until you reach the first pocket. Place a plant into the pocket from the outside of the pot, making sure the roots are all the way in the strawberry pot. You may need to remove a little soil from the root ball if it's too large to fit into the pocket. Add water to settle the potting mix around the plants roots, adding more mix if needed to secure the plant in place.
When planting your strawberry pot, don't use regular garden soil; opt for potting mix instead. Potting mix will provide better drainage and allow water to disperse equally throughout. If the mix doesn't include added nutrients, you may want to mix in some slow release fertilizer before planting.
Then continue to fill the container with potting mix until you reach the next open pocket. Follow this pattern for each level of side pockets until you reach the top, but keep the soil level a couple of inches below the rim to prevent overflow when watering the strawberry pot. After adding your desired plants to the top space, water all the plants well.
3 Strawberry Pot Planting Ideas
Spotlight Succulents
Because sun-loving succulents appreciate a very well-drained growing situation, they make a great option for layering in a strawberry pot. And because of the succulents' ability to retain water in their thick leaves, they won't even miss a beat if the soil dries out quickly in the summer heat. Make a statement by planting the whole strawberry planter with just one variety, or mix and match your favorite types of succulents in the different pockets.
Add Some Flower Power
Plant flowers in your strawberry pot to make a bright and cheery impression wherever the planter is displayed. Use easy-care, compact annuals like calibrachoa to create a beautiful cascade of colors growing from the planter. If you choose to grow your annuals among actual strawberry plants as shown here, you can enhance the color effect by opting for flowers that have a similar hue to the ripening strawberries.
Create a Mini Herb Garden
Get easy access to all your favorite herbs in one place. This strawberry pot is filled with thyme, mint, oregano, santolina, and sage. A few violets add a splash of color at the top of this planter, plus they offer edible flowers. When selecting herbs to grow together, check that they all have similar growing requirements for best results.