Take a cheap laundry basket and use it wisely to grow strawberries +7 items

Would you like to be a backyard gardener, even if you don’t have a backyard? No problem! Growing vegetables in a container is the perfect solution. And if you’re short on cash, you can use cheap or worn-out laundry baskets as your containers.
These baskets will work for a variety of fruits and veggies that include:
• Potatoes
• Peas
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Herbs
• Beans
• Miniature cucumbers
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But one of the most popular gardening uses for laundry baskets is for growing strawberries. So, even if you're short on space, you can look forward to having strawberries for smoothies, fruit salads, or simply dipping them in fresh cream or chocolate. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare the Laundry Basket:
To ensure optimal drainage for your strawberry plants, begin by carefully cutting a small hole in the bottom of the laundry basket. Adequate drainage is crucial for preventing waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and hinder plant growth.
2. Line the Basket with Burlap:
Enhance the functionality of your basket by lining it with burlap, readily available at your local nursery. Similar to lining a garbage bag, neatly place the burlap inside the basket, allowing the flaps to drape over the top. This lining will help retain soil moisture while allowing excess water to escape through the drainage hole.
3. Fill the Basket with Quality Potting Soil:
Choose a premium potting soil mix specifically formulated for container gardening. Fill the laundry basket with the potting soil, ensuring that the burlap remains securely in place. Once filled, trim off any excess burlap flaps, aligning it neatly with the top of the basket.
4. Planting the Strawberries:
With the basket adequately prepared, it's time to introduce your strawberry plants. Gently insert the plants into the designated openings on the sides of the basket. Before planting, create small cuts in the burlap where you intend to position each plant. These incisions will allow the roots to extend through the burlap, anchoring the plants securely while providing access to necessary nutrients and moisture.
5. Optimal Plant Spacing for Healthy Growth:
To ensure robust growth and abundant harvests, exercise prudence in spacing your strawberry plants. Avoid utilizing all available holes in the basket and skip the top rows of openings. By providing adequate space between plants, you enable optimal air circulation, reduce the risk of disease, and promote vigorous growth. Aim for approximately 6-8 inches of space between each strawberry plant.
6. Watering Best Practices:
Strawberries have a shallow root system and require consistent moisture to flourish. Due to the exposed sides of the laundry basket, moisture evaporation occurs more rapidly than in-ground plantings. Regularly monitor the moisture levels by gently inserting your finger into the soil. Water the plants as needed to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. Applying a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, over the soil surface helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
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7. Optional: Enhancing Aesthetics with Flowers:
To elevate the visual appeal of your container garden, consider adding a touch of vibrancy with flowers planted in the top holes of the basket. Since these holes are not occupied by strawberry plants, the flowers can gracefully spill over the sides, creating a charming cascade of colors.