Growing Flavorful Herbs in a Strawberry Pot

A strawberry pot is a charming way to grow herbs on a patio, balcony, or deck. The terra cotta or ceramic pot has pockets around its sides, allowing you to plant multiple herbs in a small space. While traditionally used for strawberry plants, a strawberry pot is also perfectly suited for herbs. The excellent drainage prevents wet soil and root rot. With a strawberry pot full of herbs just steps from your kitchen, you’ll have fresh flavors ready anytime you’re cooking.

Why Use a Strawberry Pot for Herbs

Strawberry pots provide ideal growing conditions for herbs, The pockets allow you to plant a variety of herbs together while keeping their roots confined This prevents aggressive herbs like mints from taking over the entire planter Each herb variety has its own space,

The terra cotta or ceramic material also benefits herbs. These porous pots breathe and allow soil to dry out between waterings, which most herbs prefer. Their many air pockets provide drainage to prevent soggy soil. Herbs are susceptible to root rot, so excellent drainage is key.

Finally, strawberry pots are self-contained, movable, and compact. You can place a strawberry pot wherever it fits – even where in-ground gardens aren’t possible. Move it around into sun or shade as needed. With multiple herbs planted in the pockets, you get big flavor from a small container.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Pot

When selecting a strawberry pot for herbs, bigger is generally better More soil means the pot can hold moisture and nutrients longer between watering and feeding However, make sure it is still light enough when loaded with soil to move into sun or shade.

Look for a pot with at least five or six pockets around the sides. This allows you to grow enough herbs for frequent cooking use. The pot should have drainage holes in the bottom and be made of a porous material like unglazed terracotta or ceramic.

You can find suitable strawberry pots in garden centers, nurseries, hardware stores, and online. Prices range from $20 to $50 depending on size and materials.

Preparing the Pot

Before planting wash the new or used strawberry pot with mild soap and water. Scrub off any dirt or salts left over from previous use.

Disinfect the pot by soaking it for 10 minutes in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. This kills any lingering diseases that could infect your herbs.

Rinse the pot thoroughly and allow it to dry in the sun. Make any needed repairs if the pot is used and has cracks or holes.

Filling the Pot with Soil

Any high quality potting mix will work well in a strawberry pot. Avoid regular garden soil, as it is too heavy. The potting mix should be loose, lightweight, and fast-draining.

Place a few inches of potting mix in the bottom of the pot. Position a PVC pipe or commercial watering tube in the center, running the length of the pot. This helps distribute water to the roots.

Fill the pot most of the way with more potting soil. Stop just an inch or two below the rim to leave space for watering. Lightly tamp down the soil, but avoid compressing it too much.

Planting Herbs in the Pockets

Before planting, water the potting mix well until it is moist but not soggy. Herbs transplant best into damp soil.

Start by planting taller growing herbs like sage or rosemary in the pockets near the top. Remove each herb plant gently from its nursery pot, handling the stems and leaves rather than the root ball. Tease apart any roots that have become tangled or matted.

Make a hole in the potting mix adjacent to a pocket, positioning it so the plant’s root ball will fit inside the pot but leaves and stem can thread through the pocket. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill with potting mix. Continue planting around the top row of pockets.

Add more potting mix up to the next set of pockets. Repeat the process with shorter herbs like thyme and oregano. Work your way down the pot until every pocket contains an herb.

Pack more potting mix around the top of the root balls and up to the pot’s rim. Water thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Herbs in a Strawberry Pot

Place the planted strawberry pot in full sun. Like in-ground herbs, most types will thrive on at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Move it around into sun or partial shade as needed.

Check soil moisture daily by sticking your finger into the pot. Water whenever the top few inches become dry. Water slowly and deeply, both by pouring from the top and filling the water reservoir through the PVC pipe or tube.

Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid plant food mixed at half strength. You can also incorporate some controlled-release fertilizer granules into the potting mix at planting time for a steady feed.

Prune off any flower buds that form on the herbs. This encourages them to keep producing flavorful leaves rather than going to seed. The exception is if you want to harvest seeds from self-sowing herbs like cilantro and dill.

Harvesting Fresh Herbs

One of the joys of a strawberry pot is having fresh herbs at your fingertips. Harvest them whenever you need them for cooking. Cut whole stems or individual leaves, generally no more than one-third of each plant’s volume at a time.

Snip herbs in the morning after any dew has dried but before the heat of day sets in. They will be at peak flavor and aroma early in the day. Handle herbs gently to avoid bruising.

Use the herbs immediately or store properly in refrigeration. Place freshly cut stems in glasses of water or wrap in barely damp paper towels and place in resealable plastic bags. Most will last 5-7 days this way.

Creative Herb Combinations

When planting your strawberry pot, think about creative combinations of herbs. Match herbs that enhance each other’s flavor or serve a similar purpose. Some tasty pairings include:

• Basil, oregano, parsley – an Italian flavor trifecta

• Chives, rosemary, sage – hearty seasonings for meat or vegetables

• Cilantro, thyme, marjoram – ingredients in Southwestern and Mexican foods

• Lavender, lemon balm, lemon thyme – aromatic herbs for tea

• Chamomile, peppermint, lemon verbena – calming herbal tea herbs

Plant herbs you love to cook with and experiment until you find combinations that work well together. Over time you can change out herbs that don’t thrive. Part of the fun is trying different varieties.

More Uses for a Strawberry Pot

While herbs are ideal for strawberry pots, they aren’t the only option. Consider planting flowers like pansies, verbena, petunias, or mini roses. You can also intersperse edible flowers like nasturtiums, violas, and marigolds in among your herbs.

For more practicality, use a few pockets for green onions, carrots, radishes, lettuces, or other vegetables. Just be sure whatever you plant has similar sunlight and watering needs.

Hang a strawberry pot on a fence or railing for vertical gardening. Use the pockets for cascading flowers and vines that will drape attractively.

With proper care and creative planting, a strawberry pot is a beautiful and productive addition to any garden. The key to success is understanding the conditions herbs prefer – excellent drainage, maximum sun, and frequent pruning and harvesting. Fill those strawberry pockets with an array of flavors and get ready to taste the fruits of your labor.