Table Top Strawberries

Howdy Folks:

I just completed a 3'X5'X10" table top SFG that I intend to use for strawberries. The top of the bed is 36 inches from the ground.

My order for strawberry plants was placed yesterday. 25 plants each of Eversweet, Ozark Beauty and Tristar.

The catalog states that Eversweet produces well the first year and sends out lots of runners. Ozark Beauty produces through the summer until first frost and Tristar is best for hanging baskets and is recommended especially for the eastern U.S. All are Everbearers.

I was thinking of using the entire bed for strawberries with Tristar on the outside edges of the bed and allowing the plants to hang over the sides with Eversweet and Ozark Beauty filling in the middles.

The bed, supports and bottom were made from reclaimed material, 2X4's and plywood. The screws used were purchased. Total construction cost...$4.00.

Any and all comments on this idea will be greatly appreciated.

God Bless, Ward.

I tried strawberries last year, and I planted them in a 2'x2'x9" wooden container. I had read that you shouldn't harvest the first year's fruit, but should nip off the buds as they appear. The plants grew well in Mel's mix, but they developed scorch disease. Hopefully you will do better.

Pictures! Pictures! We need pictures! How can I copy you if I can't view

Hope you can post some soon.

Oh Mike, I'm sorry about your berries. I always eat what comes the first year on my berries. The 2nd year is generally the strongest with the biggest berries and the third year there are still sweet berries but not so big or so many. It is time to start over with a new garden the third year. You can still get fruit and the sisters keep coming (whisk them to a new home).

The good news is, if you clean up the patch, feed them a bit and they should still come strong for you.

Deborah ....who sticks to strawberry jars and hanging pots of strawberries in town. Now to figure out how to have a miniature raspberry and Marian berry place in the garden (Blues are easy).

Where did you order your strawberry plants from?
Martha