Are you successful in growing herbs in a Mexican strawberry pot?

9 years ago

I have a lovely outdoor herb garden, but of course I want herbs during the winter as well. Since now is when the herbs are on sale, I figure it's the time to fill up a Mexican strawberry pot with herbs. I have a south facing window which I think will provide plenty of light throughout the seasons. Sadly, my research led me to numerous criticisms of this growing method. So, does anyone have luck growing herbs in this way? If so, are there tricks or tips that are essential to making this method work? Or is this just a pretty thing that dilettante herb gardeners do for four months before realizing that it simply doesn't work?

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Comments (8)

CA Kate z9
9 years ago
I, personally, have never had anything survive very long in one of those pots, and I've tried several different methods. Maybe someone else here has had
luck, but not me.
princessgrace79
9 years ago
Following this thread. I just started making one of these. Both bc I had an extra strawberry pot, a lack of garden space, and it sounds neat! From what I read it's best to use low water herbs. I also started with a mix of potting soil and some heavier soil, I think the main complaint is dry out.
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I have several strawberry pots - the big terracotta ones with many holes on the sides for the plants and a planting area at the top - and several generic pots of various sizes, including a hanging pot. The first lot of a dozen small strawberry plants last year turned into many dozen this year after they put out runners which I clipped and planted. Now they have a lot of fruit coming along and are growing vigorously despite this being a very dry winter. The key with the strawberry pots is water - you can't get enough water to the roots via the little plant holes on the sides with plants sticking out of them. So I installed a small terra cotta pot in the center of the top, flush with the soil surface and balanced on another pot that was upside down inside the pot, and water heavily through them, so the water gets deep inside the pot to the plant roots. Next one I put together I think I'll use an old one liter milk bottle with holes poked in it, to get slightly better water distribution. The plants in other more normal pots just need regular water. Anyway the strawberry pots are suited to the task and handle a lot of plants in a smallish footprint. HTH sb
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Good Morning , (thanks for answering sweetie ) The spots are medium size almost round the center black the rest is gray all the leaves have the same spots I cut some and it grow back with the same problem overall the plant is growing very good (isn't dry or else )Sun only in the morning. I have others herbs growing fine in the same place like rosemary, sage even other kind of basil the one with the big leaves I think it's called italian with no problem. I'm in zone 10 Miami. If you need anything else let me know. Thanks again very sweet of you. My love to all, cordially Consuelo
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fatamorgana2121
9 years ago
Same experience as westelle for everything except maybe hen-and-chickens and even they weren't keen on it.

FataMorgana
balloonflower
9 years ago
I currently have a small one going with thyme in it that I started 2 months ago. It is currently very happy, though it's only been a short time. I have thyme in the top, and the next 2 top side holes. I did have a small thyme that I put in one of the two bottom holes, and it didn't make it. Don't know whether it wasn't strong to start with, or really didn't like the transplant, but it gave up within a week. I used a combo of potting soil and succulent mix. The thyme at the top gets droopy and let's me know when to water. I water a small amount (about a cup) because the bottom does tend to retain water. Right now I have some onion chives in one of the bottom holes, but it was a weak bunch to start with and is kind of stagnant. Don't think it's getting enough sun, as my pots when outside (it's snowing right now) are more crowded than normal with all my veggie seedlings hardening off and waiting for warm enough temps to plant.
GardeningHeidi
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all so much! I appreciate the input!
CA Kate z9
9 years ago
Watering is suppose to be helped by inserting a tube-with-holes down thru the middle. Even tho it made sense It didn't help for that pot. .
slowjane CA/ Sunset 21
9 years ago
I have several of these (purchased before I actually gardened lol) and only recently am having luck with it. I'm not growing herbs but I think the same method might work for you - I left one opening empty on each pot, and when it's time to water (often in my case since I'm growing actual strawberries) I fill up an old wine bottle and turn it upside down into that empty soil space. This way you're not watering from the top - which inevitably eroded the soil out the holes and onto the floor in my experience. ;)

The water is drawn into the soil slowly and at their roots which also decreases evaporation lost. They sell thingies at garden stores to do this but wine bottles are free around here. ;)

I'm also growing mint in a strawberry pot - as an experiment to see if the roots will find their way out the openings (seems like they should? anyone try this?) And I water it the same way. Some times a little water on top if it's gotten too dry....
User
9 years ago
Or is this just a pretty thing that dilettante herb gardeners do for four months before realizing that it simply doesn't work?

Yes, especially if you are trying to grow mixed herbs. The vigorous growers will swamp the others. Unless you have one of the HUGE pots, the herbs get rootbound and die.

Are you successful in growing herbs in a Mexican strawberry pot?

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CA Kate z9

princessgrace79

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Are you successful in growing herbs in a Mexican strawberry pot?

Comments (8)

CA Kate z9

princessgrace79

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