You can create a culinary herb garden by growing herbs in a strawberry pot which gives the herbs great drainage and saves on space. Place it on a balcony or near a door for easy access when cooking.
Perhaps you have seen this one before. Growing herbs in a strawberry pot. It makes a great gift. In fact, that's what I'm going to do with this one.
If you like to cook having fresh herbs is a must. Maybe you don't have space for an herb garden. This project takes very little space and provides the drainage that herbs love. Even if you are not interested in cooking, the overall look is quite pretty and easy to maintain, as long as you have a fairly sunny spot.
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What's a Strawberry Pot?
Strawberry pots
as you may have guessed are made to grow strawberries. They can be found in many nurseries and big box stores and of course, online. They also vary in size. This one has six holes on the sides and one at the top so seven plants are needed to fill it.
Which Herbs to Use
Choose a tall upright plant like basil for the top. Other good choices would be cilantro, parsley, tarragon, chives, and sage.
For the sides, you want to choose lower growing and trailing herbs, such as thyme, oregano, mint, marjoram, and trailing rosemary.
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Tip: Many herbs are densely packs in their pots. Often you can split them in half by gently pulling them apart, and so now two plants become four. This is also helpful when the nursery pots (often 4 inch) are larger than the planter holes.
How to Plant Herbs in a Strawberry Pot
- Start by placing some good potting soil in the bottom of the planter.
- Take one of your plants earmarked for the side and plant it by gently pushing the plant material from the inside out.
- Then fill the container with more soil until you get to the next side opening.
- Continue in the same manner adding your tall plant at the top.
- Give it a good drink of water from the top, and also water the sides.
Herbs are typically drought tolerant and love good drainage making them a perfect candidate for this type of planter.
Herb Pot Maintenance
Water thoroughly, at least once a week, typically twice or more if you have a very hot summer although many herbs will tolerate dry conditions.
If you don't use enough in your everyday cooking be sure to keep the herbs trimmed. This will maintain a pretty shape and will ensure nice bushy growth. Also, once they flower the plant will start to end its life cycle so trimming off the flower heads is a good practice.
Short on space and long on beauty. As long as you have some decent sun you can easily grow your own herb garden in a strawberry pot.
More Herb Garden Ideas
Growing Herbs in a Strawberry Pot for Easy Access and Small Spaces
Materials
- Strawberry Pots
- Herb Plants - to fill each hole
- Potting Soil
Instructions
- Place good potting soil in the bottom of the planter.
- Take one of your plants for the side and plant it by gently pushing it from the inside out.
- Fill the container with more soil until you get to the next side opening.
- Continue this process, adding your tall plant at the top.
- Give it a good drink of water from the top and sides.
Carole West
Awesome project, I've never used one of those pots and now you have my attention. So this year I've brought the majority of my herbs with me and must say that growing in containers in so different than my raised beds. It's slower which is driving me a little crazy. I'm tempted to try something like this because it's so pleasing to the eye just wondering how often it needs watering during the week? Thanks!
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. The watering as you might expect varies. Most herbs like it on the dry side and this type of container would certainly help with that. However, you may find you need to water it a couple of times a week depending on where it sits and the heat index in your area.
Karen Tharin
I know you plant in all 6 of the side pockets but do you plant on the top as well. Also do you use cvc piping to make like an irrigation line down the center of the pot?
Patti Estep
Karen, I do plant on the top. You can see basil in the picture. This one is fairly small maybe two feet high and 10 inches wide so it does not need any additional help with pvc pipes. When I water I water the tops and the sides with a small watering can that has a narrow spout. Hope that helps.
Maureen
I have tried this twice before. I think that the intense summer sun and low humidity at 5,000 feet (altitude) inn the West are just too much for my herb growing attempts in a clay pot. I have also tried glazed pots which seem to retain too much water for most herbs. Chives survive any condition. My solution was to cut back on the amount of sun each day with strategic placement. So far, so good. My fingers are crossed.
My next challenge will be weathering my herbs over winter in zone 5 conditions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Patti Estep
I would suggest that you keep it in a shelter spot over the winter. A covered porch, a non-heated garage or shed. Even up against the house should help the plants over winter.
Georgie
How cute! I'm going to make one for my sweet daughter-in-law. She always has fresh herbs on her kitchen counter. I think it will be a little surprise.
Patti Estep
I'm glad you like it Georgie and I bet your daughter-in-law will love such a thoughtful gift.
Kay Wilson
What a great idea for herbs, I have tried to grow strawberries in it and never seemed to do well. With Christmas coming on this will be great gift.
Patti
Hi Kay,
I've done this one several times and can attest that it works out really well. My friend who was the recipient of this one said it looked great all season long. Someone on your Christmas list will love it.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti