A strawberry planter is a planter which has been specifically designed for growing strawberries. There are several different styles of planter available, with most garden supply stores stocking at least one or two versions. These planters can be used in gardens, on porches, and in narrow places like fire escapes and counters, for urban dwellers who would like to grow their own strawberries. Once established, these perennial plants will keep producing fruit for years, as long as they are well maintained.
Strawberries like to spread out while they grow, which can be fine in a garden with lots of space, while being problematic in areas with limited space for gardening. The roots, leaves, and shoots of strawberries also tend to become entangled while they grow, creating a dense mat which makes it hard to harvest berries. Strawberries are also prone to developing near the ground, putting them at risk for rot, mold, and insect infestation. A strawberry planter addresses all of these issues.
The classic strawberry planter is a strawberry pot, sometimes known as a Mexican strawberry pot. This type of planter is often made from terra cotta, in a jar shape with numerous protruding openings. Each opening can accommodate a single strawberry plant, with the vines trailing down the side of the planter. The strawberries are easy to harvest, because they have lots of room to grow, and the pot promotes even drainage and provides space for the roots to thrive.
It is also possible to use a strawberry bag, a bag with multiple slits for the plants to grow in, as a strawberry planter. Strawberry bags can be hung, which can be very convenient for people who are cultivating on a small porch or fire escape, and they can also be set on the ground. When using a strawberry bag, gardeners should watch out for excessive heat, which can cook the roots inside the bag and kill the strawberry plants.
Regular box planters and flower pots can also be used for growing strawberries, although they provide limited space. Other gardeners like to build tier planters, with multiple levels for strawberries to grow on. These stacked planters can also be used to grow other crops like herbs and lettuces in a confined space, with each level increasing the surface area available for growing.
Hydroponic cultivation techniques can also be used for strawberries, in which case a regular hydroponic rack or tray can be used as a strawberry planter. For people in cold climates, hydroponics is an especially appealing cultivation technique, because it lends itself well to indoor gardening in climate-controlled spaces.