Building a strawberry plants tower is an ingenious solution to optimise space in your garden or on your balcony while enjoying an abundant strawberry harvest. This vertical system not only allows you to grow an impressive number of strawberry plants in a confined area, but also to minimise disease and pest problems by keeping fruit away from the soil. Here is a complete step‑by‑step guide to build your own strawberry tower.
Description of strawberry towers
A strawberry tower is a vertical structure made of several levels in which strawberry plants are grown. This cultivation method provides better exposure to light and optimal ventilation for the plants. It is particularly suitable for small spaces and is also an effective way to prevent fruit touching the ground, thereby reducing the risk of rot.
The ideal time to build a strawberry tower
The best time to construct your strawberry tower is at the very start of spring, before the strawberry planting season. This will allow you to prepare the structure in time to install the plants as soon as weather conditions permit.
Ideal location for a strawberry tower
Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct light per day. The site should also be sheltered from strong winds that could topple the structure or damage the plants. Easy access for maintenance and watering is also worth considering when selecting the location for your tower.
Different types of strawberry towers
1. PVC strawberry tower
This type of tower is made from PVC pipes pierced with holes in which the strawberry plants are placed. It is an economical and durable solution, as PVC weathers well. The tubes can be mounted on a frame or hung, optimising vertical space usage.
2. Strawberry towers in stacked pots
This design uses pots of progressively smaller sizes stacked on top of each other to form a tower. Each pot contains several strawberry plants, and the whole creates an attractive pyramidal structure. It is one of the simplest and most flexible ways to create a strawberry tower, suitable even for small balconies.
3. Palette strawberry tower
Palette strawberry towers are an ecological and economical solution. A pallet is converted into a multi‑level tower, each slat being used to plant strawberries. This method is not only cost‑effective but also beneficial for recycling materials.
4. Wood tiered strawberry tower
Wood tiered towers often consist of stacked wooden boxes or troughs forming a stepped structure. Each level can accommodate a number of strawberry plants, and the overall design is both attractive and functional.
5. Hydroponic tower for strawberry plants
Hydroponic culture of strawberries in towers is an advanced method that uses water enriched with nutrients instead of soil. Hydroponic towers can be automated with irrigation and nutrient systems, making them ideal for indoor growing or for gardeners seeking a more technological approach.
Materials needed
- Pots of different sizes or a large central tube with lateral openings
- A large tray at the base to collect excess water
- Gravel or clay balls for drainage
- Quality potting compost for containers
- Drip irrigation system
- Fertiliser for strawberry plants
Steps to build the strawberry tower
- Construct the base :
- Place the large tray at the base to collect excess water.
- Add a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom to ensure good drainage.
- Assemble the tower :
- If using pots, start with the largest pot at the bottom and gradually reduce the size as you go up.
- If using a tube, ensure the openings are large enough to allow strawberry plants to grow without being crushed.
- Fill with potting compost :
- Fill each pot or the tube with a rich potting compost suitable for growing strawberries.
- Plant the strawberry plants :
- Plant the strawberry plants into the pots or the designated openings, taking care to space the plants well so they have room to grow.
- Install irrigation system (facultative):
- Install a drip irrigation system for regular, balanced watering, essential in a vertical setup.
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