Creating a vertical strawberry planter using a laundry basket is a fun and practical gardening project. Follow these steps to make your own:
Materials Needed:
- Laundry basket with holes
- Potting soil
- Strawberry plants
- Scissors or utility knife
- Optional: Landscape fabric or coconut coir liner
Instructions:
- Prepare the Basket: If your laundry basket doesn’t already have drainage holes, use scissors or a utility knife to create several holes in the bottom and sides of the basket. These holes will allow excess water to drain out.
- Line the Basket (Optional): To prevent soil from falling out of the basket, you can line it with landscape fabric or a coconut coir liner. Cut the fabric or liner to fit inside the basket and place it at the bottom.
- Fill with Soil: Fill the basket with potting soil, leaving about 2-3 inches of space at the top. Firmly press down the soil to remove any air pockets.
- Plant the Strawberries: Carefully plant the strawberry plants in the soil, spacing them according to the instructions on the plant tags. Ensure that the roots are covered with soil and the plants are secure.
- Water the Plants: Give the newly planted strawberries a thorough watering to help settle the soil and encourage root growth. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Place in a Sunny Location: Position the strawberry planter in a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Strawberries thrive in full sun.
- Maintenance: Check the planter regularly to ensure the soil remains moist and the plants are healthy. Fertilize the strawberries as needed according to the instructions on the fertilizer package.
- Harvest the Berries: Once the strawberry plants start producing fruit, harvest ripe berries regularly to encourage more fruit production. Enjoy fresh strawberries straight from your vertical planter!
By following these steps, you can create a vertical laundry basket strawberry planter that will not only save space but also provide you with delicious homegrown strawberries throughout the growing season. Happy gardening!
