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sunbeam

By Sunbeam

West Midlands, United Kingdom Gb

Strawberry "pot" - does it work? Sort of following on from the question about strawberries, I have one of the terracotta pots with holes in it . It'sabout 15 inches tall, the hole across the top is 10 inches across and as well as the hole at the top there are about 8 other holes. I tried it a couple of years ago but was very disappointed as the water didn't seem to reach the plants properly and they just shrivelled. Did I make some mistakes and if so how can I get it to work properly?




Answers

 

You've just described my own experience with these pots perfectly. I even tried, the second year, inserting a tube with holes in it (actually an old birdseed feeder minus the top and bottom) to enable water to permeate better, but no, still didn't work. In the end, I smashed the pot up (it was terracotta) and used it as crocks.

23 Apr, 2012

 

I filled mine with Geraniums last year and they did very well as they like it dry.

23 Apr, 2012

 

I've got one filled with violas (it's featured on my avatar) and they've done very well.

23 Apr, 2012

 

Strawberries just need so much water

23 Apr, 2012

 

my experience too, though my brother put some old towel into each 'cup' to help retain water. he also watered twice daily no matter what the weather. personally I now use them for succulents/sedums etc.

23 Apr, 2012

 

Thank you all very much - I think the message is not to try again, esp. if old towels don't work! that's really helpful as the plants cost quite a lot anyway and it's such a shame to waste them - and to waste all the time and energy trying to get them to thrive. I think I'll try the geraniums - did you use trailing or upright and did you put one in each hole including the top

23 Apr, 2012

 

I used Pelargoniums (geraniums) all upright ones, one in the top and one in each side. I used red leaved one in the top and green leaved ones around the sides, all with orange flowers to compliment the terracotta pot. It is in my garden and photos list last July if you want to have a look.

24 Apr, 2012

 

it's up to you, but I favour Cascade geraniums, if you can get them, over the ivy leaf ones any day, although a couple of ivy leaf ones in the top would be good.

24 Apr, 2012

 

Thank you , I don't think I've heard of Cascade geraniums - is that what to look for on the label? and what do they look like?

24 Apr, 2012

 

Google 'cascade geraniums' plenty of pictures on line.

24 Apr, 2012

How do I say thanks?

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