How to Grow Your Own Strawberries On The Porch

A lot of people don't have the room nor the necessary equipment required to grow their own strawberry patch.
This article will teach you how to grow your own strawberries. Of course, you probably won't grow enough to freeze or put up, but you will have some to eat on and to use in recipies.
Every little bit you grow yourself will save you money at the grocery store.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Potting soil, large flower pots, strawberry plants, mulch or straw.

1. Go shopping! Buy all the items you will need. Buy 5 to 10 strawberry plants. Buy 1 or 2 large flower pots, these can be as large as you want. Make sure they have good drainage holes in the bottom. Some people like using the half-barrels. I personally prefer the long ones. I use them to outline my deck. Depending on how many pots you'll be using and how many plants, you will need to buy potting soil to fill the pots. Mulch or straw won't be needed until cold weather arrives.

2. Fill pots with dirt, leaving enough room for plants. I always make sure to put enough dirt so my plants show at the top of the container. Place plants about 4 to 5 inches apart and finish covering with the potting soil.

3. Water well. Leave in the sunshine and let nature take it's course.

4. When its time for cold weather, cover the dirt well with mulch or straw. This helps the soil to stay warm, protecting the plants and it also helps to keep the berries clean.

5. Repeat these steps every year. Strawberry plants will multiply so when the pot they're in becomes too full, take out some of the plants and start a new pot. This will save you from buying new plants each year.

6. When the berries grow, pick them and enjoy. You will have created your own strawberry patch on your deck or porch.

Tips & Warnings

• Because the plants multiply, you can start by buying only a few plants and then transplant some of the new ones over into other pots later.
• Let your flower pot grow really full. It will not only give you luscious, juicy berries, but will also be beautiful.
• When it's real hot, make sure to water your plants.
• It's best to water in the evening, after the sun goes down.