For a handy way to grow lots of your favorite kitchen herbs, consider planting herbs in a strawberry jar. Just follow these basic tips.
Keep a pinch of fresh herbs for delicious meals just a few steps from the kitchen and all in one place–a strawberry jar. Originally designed as a novel way to grow clean strawberries, the pockets in a good-sized jar are big enough to hold an herb plant. Mix it up by planting one of each of your favorite herbs in each pocket. Good choices include sage, thyme, parsley, mint, oregano, and rosemary.
Here is a hint for planting herbs in a strawberry jar: The natural inclination is to fill the jar to the top with potting soil and try to plant the pockets from the outside, but this ends up being very awkward. Instead, plant the jar in stages, a tier at a time, pushing the tops of plants through the pockets from the inside out. Fill as you plant and the plant that will grow largest, such as rosemary, at the very top.
Use a premium quality potting soil, such as Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix. This is very important because there are lots of roots trying to grow in a relatively small space. See our article, You Must Use A Good Potting Mix, in the Gardening section for more about how to select a good potting mix.
Water with a gentle stream, making sure to water at the top and each pocket along the sides of the jar to settle the soil. After the first good watering, you should be able to water just from the top. Mix a water-soluble plant food like Miracle-Gro® Pour & Feed® Singles in the water to fertilize the plants.
Hey garden lovers! I’ve discovered an amazing way to grow tons of fresh herbs in a tiny space – using a strawberry pot! After years of container gardening experiments, I can tell you this method is pure genius. Let me show you how to create your own thriving herb garden using this unique planting system
Why Choose a Strawberry Pot for Growing Herbs?
Here’s why I absolutely love using strawberry pots for herbs:
- Perfect drainage through porous terra cotta or ceramic material
- Multiple planting pockets maximize growing space
- Easy to move around to catch optimal sunlight
- Keeps aggressive herbs contained in separate pockets
- Looks absolutely gorgeous on patios and balconies
- Fresh herbs just steps from your kitchen
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in here’s your shopping list
Essential Materials:
- Strawberry pot (terra cotta or ceramic) with 5-6 side pockets
- High-quality potting mix
- Selection of herb plants
- PVC pipe (about 12 inches)
- Coffee filter
- Basic gardening tools
Optional but Helpful
- Plant markers/labels
- Platform with wheels
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Water-soluble plant food
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
1. Prep Your Pot
First things first:
- Clean pot thoroughly with mild soap and water
- Disinfect with 1:9 bleach-water solution
- Let dry completely in sunlight
- Place coffee filter at bottom for drainage
- Create watering tube from PVC pipe:
- Drill holes along sides
- Cap one end
- Position slightly off-center
2. Layer Your Planting
Here’s my foolproof method:
- Start with slightly damp potting mix
- Add soil to first pocket level
- Plant taller herbs in upper pockets:
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Lavender
- Continue adding soil and planting middle pockets:
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Fill lower pockets with:
- Parsley
- Chives
- Basil
- Top with final herbs
3. Caring for Your Herb Garden
Watering Tips:
- Check moisture daily
- Water through top AND watering tube
- Increase frequency during hot weather
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
Feeding Schedule:
- Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- Use half-strength solution
- Add slow-release granules when planting
My Favorite Herb Combinations
I’ve tried lots of different combinations, but these are my top picks:
Mediterranean Mix:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Basil
Tea Garden:
- Lemon balm
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Lemon verbena
Kitchen Essentials:
- Parsley
- Chives
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my early failures:
- Not using a watering tube
- Overcrowding pockets
- Using garden soil instead of potting mix
- Forgetting to label plants
- Inadequate drainage
- Mixing aggressive herbs like mint with others
Harvesting Tips
To keep your herbs productive:
- Cut stems in morning hours
- Remove no more than 1/3 of plant at once
- Pinch off flower buds (except for edible ones)
- Use clean, sharp scissors
- Harvest regularly to encourage growth
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wilting plants | Check watering tube, increase frequency |
| Yellow leaves | Reduce watering, check drainage |
| Leggy growth | Move to sunnier location |
| Poor growth | Feed with liquid fertilizer |
| Pest issues | Inspect regularly, treat with organic solutions |
Final Thoughts
Growing herbs in a strawberry pot has been a game-changer for my small-space gardening! It’s not just practical – it’s also pretty darn beautiful. With proper care and attention, you’ll have fresh herbs at your fingertips all season long.
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and learning. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and adjust your care routine based on what works in your space. Happy planting!
P.S. Would love to hear about your experiences with strawberry pot herb gardens in the comments below!
Learn more about how to get started!
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
What will you grow? Fresh plants delivered safely to your door.
How to Grow Herbs in a Strawberry Planter
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