Strawberry Jar Gardening: A Beginner’s Guide
Strawberry jars are versatile planters that can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, from strawberries to herbs to flowers. They’re a great way to add a touch of beauty and functionality to your garden, and they’re perfect for small spaces.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Jar
Strawberry jars come in a variety of styles and materials, so you can choose one that best suits your garden. Plastic strawberry jars are lightweight and inexpensive, but they’re not as durable as other materials. Terra cotta jars are more porous, so they require more watering, but they’re also more attractive. Ceramic strawberry jars are the most decorative and durable, but they’re also the most expensive.
Planting a Strawberry Jar Garden
Once you’ve chosen a strawberry jar, it’s time to start planting. You can plant a variety of plants in a strawberry jar, but it’s important to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. For example, you wouldn’t want to plant strawberries and cacti in the same jar, because they have different water and sunlight needs.
To plant a strawberry jar garden, follow these steps:
- Fill the bottom of the jar with a few inches of potting soil.
- Carefully tuck the plants into the planting pockets.
- Fill the jar with soil, tamping it down gently around the plants.
- Water the plants deeply.
- Place the jar in a sunny location.
Watering a Strawberry Jar Garden
Strawberry jar gardens need to be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. The best way to water a strawberry jar garden is to use a watering can with a long spout. This will help you to water the plants at the base, without getting the leaves wet.
You can also use a self-watering system to water your strawberry jar garden. This is a great option if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time.
Fertilizing a Strawberry Jar Garden
Strawberry jar gardens need to be fertilized regularly to ensure that the plants are getting the nutrients they need. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Fertilize the plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Creating a Strawberry Jar Fountain
You can also use a strawberry jar to create a beautiful fountain. To do this, you will need a re-circulating pump, appropriate rubber tubing, a terra-cotta bowl, and a shallow terra-cotta saucer.
To create a strawberry jar fountain, follow these steps:
- Place the strawberry jar in the center of the terra-cotta bowl.
- Secure the pump in the bottom of the strawberry jar with stones.
- Run the length of tubing up through the top of the jar.
- Drill a hole into the center of the shallow dish and place it on top of the strawberry jar.
- Run the remainder of the tubing through the hole.
- Add water to the basin and strawberry jar until it begins to overflow.
- Plug in the pump and enjoy your strawberry jar fountain!
Troubleshooting Strawberry Jar Gardens
Strawberry jar gardens are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few problems that you may encounter.
- Overwatering: Overwatering is one of the most common problems with strawberry jar gardens. If you overwater your plants, they will develop root rot. To avoid overwatering, only water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Underwatering: Underwatering is another common problem with strawberry jar gardens. If you underwater your plants, they will wilt and die. To avoid underwatering, water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Pests: Strawberry jar gardens can be susceptible to pests, such as aphids and spider mites. To control pests, use a natural insecticide, such as neem oil.
With proper care, your strawberry jar garden will thrive for many years to come. So get creative and have fun with it!