How to Grow Amazing Plants in Strawberry Jars

Terra cotta clay is porous and naturally pulls moisture away from the soil, making it the ideal material for a succulent container. And the pockets give you the opportunity to display a variety of textures in a single container.

Try trailing spillers like string of pearls and donkey’s tails. Clusters of echeveria with their rose-like blooms create a thrilling bouquet on top. Quick-spreading hens and chicks are favorites for strawberry jars, too.

A 2-gallon container holds about 20 succulent plants. To keep the look: display in filtered light and keep an eye on the moisture level.

Water when the soil is dry to the touch (you’ll notice some of the succulents may get a little grayer when they need water), then water heavily, so water is dripping from the bottom of the container. Just make sure the container doesn’t sit in water for too long.

A grow bag is similar to a clay strawberry jar in that it has pockets for growing plants. This eco-friendly choice is made from recycled materials like plastic bottles. It’s larger than a typical strawberry jar, with eight pockets and able to hold 38 quarts of potting soil. The grommets along the bottom drain away excess water, so the strawberries don’t get waterlogged.

The handles make it easy to carry, although when it’s fully loaded with plants, soil and water, it can be heavy. It’s best to plant the bag in the same sunny site where the plants will grow.

Rotate the planter every few days so plants get full sun exposure. Learn more about growing strawberries.

It's easy to grown strawberries in a grow bag:

• Add a few inches of moistened organic potting mix up to the bottom of the first pocket.
• Tuck a strawberry plant in the pocket, setting it at an angle.
• Continue to add more soil to the height of each pocket, putting one or two strawberry plants in each pocket.
• When you reach the top of the jar, plant more strawberries on top and add a layer of compost.
• Water the pot well from the top and water each of the pockets.
• Strawberries are perennial in zones 4 to 8. When the season is over, transfer plants from container to garden.

Ever-bearing varieties of strawberries typically perform better in containers than June-bearing varieties. Read plant tags to know the variety you’re planting.

Basil is an easy herb for beginners. For best results, place your strawberry jar with basil seeds or sprigs in full sunlight and water often. When basil begins to flower, prune the flowers to keep the plant from growing leggy.

Sweet alyssum is drought-resistant and hardy. It can weather high heat and also self-sows for year-after-year of blooms. This plant does best in milder climates and if watered regularly, will produce profuse white blooms. Plant alyssum from see or sprigs.

Pansies are a popular cool season flower. They work well for gardeners of all skill levels. Pansies add a touch o charm to your outdoor space. They come in a wide range of colors and types. mix and match a few pansies to fill your strawberry planter with pops of color. Check the soil moisture once a day or more in strong sun and add water when it feels dry.

Dusty miller has silvery-gray leaves that look pretty in a strawberry planter arrangement. Grow alone or mix with drooping vines or flowers. Dusty miller will provide color well into the fall.

Parsley is a good plant to mix with other herbs or perennials in a strawberry planter.
Their green color contrasts nicely with brightly colored flowers and plants. Keep the potting soil moist but well-drained to
prevent the leaves from turning yellow.

Oregano thrives in strawberry pots and can easily be mixed with other herbs. Check the soil moisture daily and add water as needed.

Petunias are an easy to grow from seeds or starters. They produce large flowers in many different colors and patterns. Be sure to place your strawberry jar of petunias in full sun and check daily to ensure the soil doesn't dry out.