Grow a large amount of strawberry plants in steel barrels.
Planting strawberries in a steel barrel allows you to have a large garden of strawberries in a small space. One 55-gallon barrel will accommodate up to 50 strawberry plants and produce up to 50 pints of strawberries during a good growing season. Steel barrels will rust and need replacing after several growing seasons. Does this Spark an idea?
Preparation
The barrel requires preparation before it is ready for planting. Washing the interior well with a mild detergent and water will remove residue that may be toxic to plants. You will need to add bottom drainage holes and side planting holes set 8 inches apart to prepare the barrel for planting.
Supplies
A 30- or 55-gallon barrel is a good size container for planting strawberries. Use a metal saw to cut the bottom drainage holes and planting holes around the barrel. Strawberry plants benefit from adding a 3/4-inch diameter PVC pipe with 1/8-inch drilled holes in the center of the barrel. Watering the barrel through the PVC pipes helps you get an even application.
Planting
Plant the barrel by filling soil to each level of holes so you have easy access for planting the strawberry seedlings on each level. Use caution when placing the strawberry plant into the hole so the roots fan out and the crown above the root system remains uncovered.
Tags: 55-gallon barrel, bottom drainage, bottom drainage holes, drainage holes, each level, planting holes