Hi SW Friends,

I sure can use your help. I'm working on Christmas gifts and purchased a few terra-cotta strawberry towers at Star Nursery today during their 50% off pottery sale. I thought they'd make nice gifts for my DIL as they have young daughters. I'm hoping to encourage an interest in gardening.

Anyways, I initially wantEd to fill and plant them, but I'm not sure which strawberry Variety to choose. I've had strawberries here in AZ, but I was not particularly happy with them overall. I got the everbearing but the size and yield was lacking even after a couple of years. So, I was thinking perhaps I'd try June bearing this time? I'm really looking for a variety that will provide good sized early fruit as these containers will be in the LV area. I don't expect them to last more than one season.

Then, I thought.... to hell with fickle strawberry, Grandma, just fill with lantana or mint instead! I have both on hand and can try my hand at propagating indoors between now and Christmas.

What's your thoughts, friends? Do you have a true and tried strawberry variety that won't let me down? I'm happy to order them. After even more thought, I think providing a kit of sorts (container, soil, and roots) to let them assemble after first frost is even a better way to go.

How do I find myself in such dilemmas!?? Hahahahaha....the circus never ends.

Thanks, peeps! I appreciate your feedback.

I love the kit idea! Get those kids in the mix and getting their hands dirty.

I'd go with something other than strawberries. I've tried a number of different ones and haven't found any that are satisfactory for the SW.

Nasturtiums also grow easily and make a great, colorful show. I've always wanted to plant a strawberry pot with them so I'd have a big mound of them.

Thank you, Karen! That is a splendid idea! Just pick up a seed packet to include with the kit. Perfect! I surely do appreciate your input. Hope all is well with you. Stay warm during this cold we are having! Brrrrrr....

Thanks! We will have a few nights in the 20's during this cold snap. It just started raining, and it's so welcome. We really have been very dry here.