03/14/2016
Spring is on its way!!! Maybe you're like me and like to get a head start on planting and have a house full of little seedlings or maybe you haven't even given the new gardening season a thought. Whatever type of person you are, I bet the idea of fresh garden strawberries sounds good. If you've ever tried growing your own strawberries you may have found it can be a hassle. Strawberry plants like to throw lots of runners to start new plants, and if these are not properly placed and trimmed you can end up with a jumbled mess. And even if you keep the runners under control you still have to keep those pesky bird out (and believe me, they love those strawberries just as much as we do). And to top it off, if you don't have any ground cover under your plants, the fruit can rot and be covered in dirt.
I have the solution!!! Grow them in a rain barrel like this. You need hardly any room in your garden. This barrel holds 21 plants and room for plants of your choice on top. There is a handy pipe down the middle with perforations to allow good water distribution throughout your planter. When strawberries are grown like this they do not throw runners (and if they do they are easily trimmed) the birds don't bother them since they have nowhere to perch, the fruit does not sit in dirt, and they are an attractive addition to your garden.
If you or anyone you know would love a strawberry planter (or it could be used for herbs or flowers or anything you desire) I am taking orders now for this spring/summer. The barrel will include the PVC pipe for the middle. All you have to do is add rich soil and plants! Cost is $150 per barrel and you can contact me directly to order or they will be available at Field of Dreams Greenhouse (Lot 9, Lakewood Estates).
