Would you believe that you can grow an herb garden in less than one square foot? Strawberry jars are great for growing strawberries, but they can also be used for annual flowers and herbs. The pocket-like openings around the sides enable you to grow several different plants in one container. Now you can enjoy your favorite herbs fresh from a single pot.
Herbs tolerate a variety of growing conditions, but they don't do well in wet soil. Use a loose, well-drained potting soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged or compacted.
One thing you may find when planting in tall strawberry jars is that the water doesn't always reach the plants in the lowest openings. You can remedy this with a piece of PVC pipe that's about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Cut it to the height of the jar and then drill 1/4-inch holes along its length. Cover the bottom of the pipe with duct tape and position the pipe--tape-side down--in the center of the jar. When you water through this pipe, the water will be evenly distributed throughout the soil mixture.
When you're planting in a strawberry jar, use herbs with a small root mass. Typically, herb transplants are in three-inch (or larger) pots, and the root systems are fairly large. You'll have to carefully compress the root mass until it's narrow enough to fit through the opening. Handle as gently as possible to minimize damage. Plant from the outside--that is, insert the root mass into the opening. Planting the herbs this way does the least amount of damage to the plants' leaves and stems. Once the bottom plants are in place, add soil around and over the roots, making sure none of the roots are exposed. Firm the soil around the roots and add additional soil to just below the top row of pockets. Plant the remaining plants, then fill the jar with potting soil to within an inch of the rim. In the top opening of the jar, plant a trailing herb such as lemon thyme.
Water the new plants well. Every time you water the jar, fill the central watering pipe and let it drain. Fill the pipe again and water around the top of the pot, too. Place the jar in a sunny location and be sure to check the soil moisture frequently. Terra-cotta jars are more porous and tend to dry out more quickly. Your low-maintenance herb garden is ready to enjoy.
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