Not everyone has the luxury of having a garden, but that doesn't mean you can't grow your own produce. Gardening can be expensive, especially for those with limited space. However, a new hack shared by @norcalfamilyfarmstead on TikTok allows you to create a horizontal strawberry planter using old PVC pipes. This budget-friendly solution involves creating holes in the PVC pipe, adding drainage holes, filling it with soil, capping the ends, and planting seedlings in the holes. Now, even those without a garden can enjoy growing their own fruit bushes like strawberries.
How to create the PVC pipe planter
In order to grow strawberries in PVC pipes, you will need at least one 10-foot PVC pipe, two end caps, strawberry seedlings, two garden posts made of either metal or wood and hangers for suspending the pipes, fertile soil, and an electric power drill with a 2¼-inch diameter hole saw attachment. To begin, get your posts ready. As long as the location is in full sun, you can place these posts anywhere you desire. If you have a yard, then you can stake them into the ground. If you have zero yard space, you can stand the posts up securely on your balcony.
Step-by-Step Guide: Maintaining Strawberry Plants in a PVC Pipe Planter
To maintain your strawberry plants in a PVC pipe planter, follow these simple steps:
- Start by drilling holes in the PVC pipe to create pockets spaced about 6 inches apart. Add drainage holes at the bottom of the pipe.
- Fill the pipe with soil by capping one end, pouring soil through the other end, and capping the second end.
- Suspend the pipes on two posts and replant your strawberry plants in each hole.
- Ensure each plant has enough root space, add more soil for support, and water the plants.
Caring for strawberry plants in a PVC pipe planter may require adjustments like changing the watering schedule. Since the pipes are shallow, water directly into the soil and allow the topsoil to dry before watering again. With proper care, your strawberries will thrive in this unique planter.
A clever solution for growing strawberries without worrying about runners is using a PVC planter. This innovative idea, as shared by @norcalfamilyfarmstead, allows the plants to hang down from the holes in the planter, giving them enough space to thrive. However, it's important to consider the climate - tropical regions may not be suitable for this method as the plants can overheat, while cold temperatures can cause frostbite. During winter, you have the option to either replant new strawberries in the spring or follow the seasonal growing approach like @norcalfamilyfarmstead. Keep in mind that the limited space in the PVC planter may result in a less abundant strawberry harvest compared to plants grown in the ground.
