Strawberries take up a large amount of ground if planted in rows or beds in the traditional way. To economize on space and create a striking addition to the patio, balcony or roof garden, grow them in a strawberry barrel. The best time to plant strawberries is late summer, when they will start cropping the following year.
A large wooden barrel will hold a lot of plants because they are planted in holes in the sides as well as in the top. Drill 5cm (2in) diameter holes in the side of the barrel, about 20cm (8in) apart each way and in a staggered pattern.
Make sure the barrel has some drainage holes in the base and then place a 2.5-5cm (1-2in) layer of pebbles in the bottom to help with drainage. Cover this with a thin layer of coarse peat or leafmould. Strawberries can be grown in all-peat potting soil or in a loam, peat and sand mix. Push the roots of the strawberry plants through the holes as the barrel is being filled with soil. Finish off with about three plants in the top.
Should you not wish to make your own container, you’ll be happy to know that there are ready-made strawberry pots available. These are generally terracotta containers with holes in the sides. They are lovely when all planted up, but they do not hold as many plants as a large wooden barrel and they dry out quicker.
The soil for strawberries should be kept steadily moist and the plants fed regularly in spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer. In areas prone to frost make sure the flowers are protected, as frost can damage or kill them; cover the container at night with fine-mesh plastic windbreak netting.
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