"God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest."
J. G. Holland
It's about that time of year when my strawberry plants are multiplying. They put out little runners that will shoot away a foot or so from the plant and put down its own roots. I've heard that you'll only get 2 or 3 good years out of a strawberry plant before it will produce less and less, so it is important to keep cultivating new plants to replace the old ones. I've decided to give strawberry or herb planters a go. And I thought I'd make a little photo how-to. To most gardeners I guess this is pretty basic stuff but its something you don't really need a garden to do, so anyone can give it a go.
What you'll need: Some good soil or potting mix. Some straw or other mulch material. Some corrugated cardboard or an old sack/towel. A container with holes in it which you can get at most garden shops or they are easily made by cutting holes in the side of any suitably sized plastic drum (and holes in the bottom for drainage of course).
- Place a layer of straw or other mulch in the bottom of the container to aid drainage.
- Roll the cardboard (or sack) into a column about as long as the container. This will sit vertically down the centre of the pot to help distribute water to all the plants evenly. I've tied mine off with a bit of flax.
- Place the cardboard column in the centre of the pot and begin filling around it with soil.
- Keep filling until the pot is full. You'll lose a bit of soil out the holes at this point so be prepared to make a bit of a mess.
Finally place a strawberry plant in each hole. They will go a bit droopy at first but after a day or two, and some TLC they'll be away. If well fed this container should produce a bounty of strawberries next summer. Of course you could grow one of these on a balcony, or in a window, or all most anywhere sunny. If you move house you can take it with you.
Now here's a good idea for people like me who always say they are going to make something thoughtful for Christmas presents next time round, instead of buying gifts at the last minute. Start some planters of now, and at Christmas (if you're in the southern hemisphere) they'll make neat gifts all covered in juicy red fruit.
I'll be sure to post another shot of these when they are established.
8:19:28 PM 
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