| I have a new 6 hole strawberry pot...what are the six holes for? Will the fruit grow out of them? How do I plant strawberry plants? Do I put mulch, bark, some people even say those packaging peanuts on the bottom of the pot first to retain the moisture then a good organic soil on the top? |
| Each of the holes will accommodate one strawberry plant. When I plant them I simply fill the pot up as I go...add a little soil, put a plant or two in the holes, move up to the next layer until I have filled the whole pot, and then plant the top of the pot. I like to use potting soil that has been mixed with compost. Here is one of my favorite tips: Before planting, get a piece of PVC pipe about 2" in diameter, cut it to be about 1" taller than the soil line of your pot and drill small holes in it all along the length (perhaps 12-15 total). Place thisin the center of the pot before you plant, be sure you have a lip sticking out of the soil at about 1" in height. This creates a very efficient watering "tube" to insure all the plants get ample water all the way down the pot...you simply pour your water down the tube. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated, and feed the plants with a mild plant food (such a seaweed or fish-based liquid fertilizer) in the spring and during fruiting period. Place the pot in full sun, and protect the plants from frost. As the young plants are getting established, picking off their first round of buds can help them put energy into rooting. Be sure to keep an eye out for birds....they adore strawberries! |
