How to Plant a Strawberry Basket

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Midwest Living / Garden / Container

How to Plant a Strawberry Basket

Plant strawberries in a hanging basket for a quick crop with luscious rewards. Editorial Assistant: Emily VanSchmus

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  • Strawberry Baskets

    Strawberry baskets

    Strawberries grow easily in containers because they have shallow roots, so baskets provide a lush display as well as a handful of sweet berries.  

  • Materials

    Materials

    12-inch terra-cotta pot

    14-inch diameter coir-lined hanging basket (or any sturdy, lined basket, such as the one shown on the first slide)

    Potting mix

    Organic, slow-release fertilizer

    20 strawberry plants

    Scissors

    Bark mulch 

  • Step 1: Fill pot

    Step 1: Fill pot

    Use a terra-cotta pot to hold and steady the basket throughout the planting process. Fill two-thirds of the container with a compost-enriched, lightweight potting mix. Add a dose of slow-release fertilizer to the mix. 

  • Step 2: Prepare plants

    Step 2: Prepare plants

    Remove each young strawberry plant from its nursery pot. If you start with bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for up to one hour prior to planting. 

  • Step 3: Make side openings

    Step 3: Make side openings

    A coir-lined metal-frame basket such as the one pictured here allows you to plant into the sides as well as the top of the container. Use scissors to cut a 1 1/2-inch opening in the side of the coir liner as shown. Gently press a strawberry plant’s roots through the opening and into the basket. 

  • Step 4: Make perimeter openings

    Step 4: Space plants

    Make openings for plants evenly spaced around the perimeter of the basket. Cover the roots of the plants with potting mix. Tuck remaining plants into the top of the basket. 

  • Step 5: Plant

    Step 5: Set plants

    When planting, set each plant with its crown (where roots meet the bases of stems) just above soil level to prevent rotting. Ensure that the roots are covered with soil to prevent them from drying out. 

  • Step 6: Add potting mix

    Step 6: Add potting mix

    Add more potting mix to cover the roots of the plants. Then add a 1-inch layer of bark mulch to help preserve soil moisture and minimize watering frequency. Leave 1 inch between the top of the mulch surface and the rim of the basket to allow room for watering. 

  • Step 7: Water

    Step 7: Water

    Water thoroughly after planting. Water as often as needed to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Hang the basket where the plants will get at least 6-8 hours of sun daily. 

SOURCE:http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/container/how-to-plant-a-strawberry-basket/