How to Build a Strawberry Pyramid Planter

Overview

Few people do not relish the taste of fresh strawberries, but growing them takes a lot of space and those with small gardens usually opt to fill that space with other vegetables. But it is surprisingly simple to grow strawberries in ways that save space. If you build a strawberry pyramid, you can be one of those lucky gardeners who delight in a big bowl of fresh strawberries next season and for years to come.

Step 1

Measure and cut (use tin snips) 6- to 12-inch-high, corrugated lawn edging to whatever length is necessary to achieve a circle of the largest diameter desired. Use this formula to calculate the length: 3.14 x diameter = circumference, or length of strip (add 1 foot to that measurement to overlap slightly, preventing the circle opening accidentally when filled with soil). For example, a 6-foot diameter circle for the base requires a strip approximately 20 feet long, including a 1-foot overlap.

Step 2

Cut two more strips using the same formula --- one 2 feet smaller in diameter than the first, and another 2 feet smaller in diameter than the second. This gives you three rings that when stacked will allow 1 foot of space all the way around each tier for planting --- perfect for strawberries.

Step 3

Loop each strip into a ring, overlapping each 1 foot. Secure with clamps, rivets or by lacing stainless steel or galvanized wire through pre-punched holes.

Step 4

Place the largest ring on the ground --- preferably in full sun. Fill with a rich compost/soil mixture and tamp lightly to settle and firm the soil.

Step 5

Place the middle ring in the center of the first ring and fill as before. Follow with the third ring as with the two previous rings.

Step 6

Secure a sprinkler in the center of the top ring, or wind and secure a soaker hose spirally around the back of each tier, from bottom and ending at the top. Attach a garden hose when necessary to water your strawberries.

Step 7

Plant strawberries around the perimeter of each ring at the recommended spacing of 12 inches apart (see Reference 1).