Resilient Gardening: Planting Strawberries

Strawberries are a family favorite for snacks and desserts. For many American families, finding strawberries that are affordable, and beautiful, at your local grocer can be challenging. For this reason, many families are turning to home gardening techniques, growing their own strawberries in a variety of garden platforms.

Strawberries, according to most gardening experts, are the most versatile plant available. Grown in the ground, many strawberry plants can also be grown in hanging baskets, window boxes and pots. From homeowners to apartment dwellers, strawberries provide a great opportunity to brush up on your gardening skills while enjoying the tantalizing treat with meals or as a snack.

Because strawberry plants, for the most part, provide an anesthetically pleasing addition to a patio or balcony, they are great additions for home décor. With this in mind, look for strawberry varieties, such as the Aromel, which provide beautiful floral displays along with the tasty fruit.

The key focus of successful strawberry plant growth lies in the ability to fertilize and protect the plant as much as possible. For convenience, many gardening centers provide a slow release, general all-purpose fertilizer which works well in gardens, hanging plants, window boxes and even gardening pots.

As a great alternative for growing strawberries, adding décor to the home, consider using an old wooden barrel. Because strawberry plants last, at least, two years, the wooden barrel will provide a great feeding ground for your strawberry plants. Cutting holes along the side of the wooden barrel, about 3" in diameter, will provide for plenty of opportunity to grow strawberry plants in a nice compact and ornate location. For added convenience, add a water hose to the center of the barrel and compost, with tiny pinholes, to allow for ease and disbursement of water throughout the barrel.

Keep in mind, when planting strawberries, that they generally require full sun to produce beautiful fruit. For this reason, strategically position hanging baskets, window boxes and pots on the areas of the home that are exposed to full sun or, when not available, use planting devices that can easily be moved about the home property to maintain full sun throughout the day.

As with any gardening adventure, applying patience and love are key to optimal growth. When growing strawberries, no matter what the type, remember that even the most resilient of plants require constant nurturing. Using proper sun and good planting techniques, your strawberry plants will produce beautiful green foliage for your home and a wonderful, edible treat for your next family snack.