12 Strawberry Planter Ideas for a Thriving Garden

Growing strawberries at home doesn’t require large garden beds.

With the right planters, you can maximize space, improve drainage, and even repurpose everyday items into productive growing containers.

Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony, or want a decorative way to grow strawberries, these planter ideas offer practical and creative solutions.

In this article, you'll find 12 unique strawberry planter ideas, including repurposed items and space-saving solutions to help you grow healthier plants.

1. Laundry Baskets

A plastic laundry basket is an affordable and space-saving option for growing strawberries. Its built-in holes provide excellent drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.

To keep soil from spilling out, line the basket with landscape fabric, burlap, or several layers of newspaper. This setup allows water to pass through while keeping the soil contained.

For even watering, insert a PVC pipe with drilled holes vertically in the center before adding soil. This ensures moisture reaches all plants evenly and prevents dry spots.

Small slits in the fabric let you plant strawberries along the sides, creating a vertical growing effect. Keeping berries elevated also reduces rot and pest issues.

2. Old Tires

Stacking old tires creates a sturdy, insulated planter that helps strawberries grow faster by retaining warmth.

Start by cleaning the tires thoroughly to remove any residues. Stack one or more tires, depending on the depth you need, and fill them with well-draining soil and compost.

Plant strawberries along the edges and in the center to maximize space.

The black rubber absorbs heat, which is beneficial in cooler climates. If placing tires on a solid surface, drill drainage holes in the bottom one to prevent water buildup.

3. Plastic Bottles

If you’re short on space, plastic bottles make an easy and affordable strawberry planter. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into compact, vertical planters that fit on walls, fences, or balconies.

Cut the bottles in half or create side openings for planting. Punch a few drainage holes at the bottom to prevent soggy roots.

Fill the bottles with light, well-draining soil, then plant your strawberries. You can hang them using wire, mount them on a wooden frame, or simply arrange them along a sunny windowsill.

This method isn’t just great for small spaces—it also helps reduce plastic waste. Plus, growing strawberries off the ground keeps pests away and makes harvesting easier.

4. Shoe Organizers

A fabric shoe organizer can double as a vertical strawberry planter, making it perfect if you want to save space while keeping your berries off the ground.

Just choose a sturdy, breathable organizer and make sure it has small drainage holes. If it doesn’t, you can pierce some at the bottom of each pocket.

To set it up, line each pocket with landscape fabric to keep the soil from washing out. Fill them with nutrient-rich soil, then plant one strawberry plant per pocket.

Hang the organizer on a wall, fence, or balcony where it gets plenty of sun.

This setup gives your strawberries good airflow, making them less prone to disease. Plus, it’s super convenient—you can check on your plants, water them, and harvest your berries without bending over.

5. Gutters

Got an old rain gutter lying around? You can turn it into a simple and space-saving strawberry planter.

Whether you hang it from a fence, mount it on a wall, or attach it to a wooden frame, this method keeps your strawberries off the ground and makes harvesting easy.

First, drill drainage holes along the bottom to prevent water from pooling. Then, fill the gutter with well-draining soil and compost. Space your strawberry plants evenly, leaving enough room for them to spread.

Since gutters don’t hold much soil, they can dry out quickly—so you’ll need to water your plants more often, especially in warm weather.

But the benefit? Less bending, fewer weeds, and a neat, organized way to grow your strawberries in small spaces.

6. PVC Pipe Towers

If you’re looking for a way to grow strawberries vertically, PVC pipe towers are a great option. They help you save space, improve airflow, and make watering more efficient.

Start by choosing a large-diameter PVC pipe. Drill evenly spaced holes around the sides for planting, and add a few drainage holes at the bottom.

For even watering, place a smaller pipe with drilled holes inside the larger pipe—this helps distribute water evenly throughout the tower.

Once you set up the pipe, fill it with nutrient-rich soil, making sure it’s packed firmly but not too tight. Then, plant your strawberries in the holes, keeping the tower in a sunny spot.

With this method, your strawberries stay elevated, reducing pest problems and making it easier to harvest fresh berries all season long.

7. Hanging Bags

If you're short on space, hanging bags are a fantastic way to grow strawberries vertically. They let you take advantage of walls, fences, or balcony railings while keeping your berries off the ground and away from pests.

Choose a sturdy fabric bag with multiple pockets, making sure it’s made from breathable material for good drainage.

Fill each pocket with well-draining soil and plant one strawberry plant per section. Then, hang the bag in a sunny spot where your strawberries can get at least six hours of sunlight a day.

Since hanging bags dry out faster than traditional planters, you’ll need to water them more often. But the payoff? Healthier plants, easier harvesting, and a creative way to grow strawberries even if you have limited space.

8. Wooden Pallets

A wooden pallet makes a perfect vertical strawberry planter, especially if you want a rustic, space-saving setup. You can lean it against a wall, attach it to a fence, or even lay it flat if you prefer a raised bed look.

To get started, staple landscape fabric or plastic sheeting to the back and bottom of the pallet to hold the soil in place.

Then, fill the pallet with a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil mix. Plant strawberries between the slats, making sure they have enough room to grow.

This setup keeps your strawberries off the ground, reduces weeds, and gives your garden a unique, decorative touch. Just make sure your pallet is made from untreated wood to avoid any chemicals leaching into your soil.

9. Cinder Blocks

If you want a sturdy, long-lasting strawberry planter, cinder blocks are a great choice. They’re easy to arrange, provide excellent drainage, and naturally retain heat—helping your strawberries grow faster in cooler weather.

To set up your planter, stack the blocks in a pattern that leaves the open holes facing upward. Fill each hole with well-draining soil and plant a strawberry in each one.

You can also arrange the blocks in different shapes to fit your space.

Cinder blocks are heavy, so once you place them, you probably won’t want to move them. But the benefit? You get a durable, customizable strawberry planter that will last season after season with very little maintenance.

10. Straw Bales

Straw bales work as a natural, raised planter that provides great drainage and insulation for your strawberries. Over time, the straw breaks down, creating a nutrient-rich growing environment.

To get started, soak the bale with water for a few days to kickstart decomposition. Then, add a layer of compost or potting soil on top and plant your strawberries directly into the bale.

Since straw bales dry out faster than traditional planters, you’ll need to water them regularly. But the payoff?

A budget-friendly, biodegradable planter that improves your soil as it breaks down—making cleanup at the end of the season super easy.

11. Old Boots, Vintage Crates, and Retired Furniture

If you love unique and creative planters, why not repurpose old boots, wooden crates, or even retired furniture for your strawberries?

These unconventional containers not only add charm to your garden but also give new life to items you might otherwise throw away.

To use old boots, simply punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill them with well-draining soil, and plant your strawberries.

For wooden crates or drawers from old furniture, line the inside with landscape fabric to hold the soil while still allowing excess water to drain.

The best part? These planters bring personality to your garden while keeping your strawberries off the ground and away from pests. Just make sure your chosen container is deep enough for the roots to grow!

12. Hanging Picnic Baskets

Got an old picnic basket collecting dust? Turn it into a charming hanging strawberry planter! This method is perfect if you want something decorative yet functional for your garden or patio.

First, line the inside with plastic or landscape fabric to keep the soil in place while allowing drainage.

Then, fill it with nutrient-rich soil and plant your strawberries. Finally, hang the basket from a sturdy hook or pergola in a sunny spot.

Not only does this setup look great, but it also keeps your strawberries elevated, making them easy to pick and less likely to attract pests. Plus, it's a fun way to repurpose an old basket into something useful!

Grow Strawberries Anywhere with These Creative Planter Ideas!

You don’t need a big garden to grow fresh, delicious strawberries.

With these 12 creative planter ideas, you can turn everyday items, vertical structures, and small spaces into thriving strawberry-growing areas.

Whether you’re repurposing old boots, stacking cinder blocks, or hanging a fabric shoe organizer, there’s a method that will work for you.

The key to success is choosing the right planter for your space, making sure your strawberries get enough sunlight, and using well-draining soil.

No matter which idea you try, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, space-saving setup—and plenty of homegrown strawberries to snack on!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best planter for strawberries in small spaces?

If you’re working with limited space, vertical planters like shoe organizers, PVC pipe towers, and hanging bags are great options. They help you grow more strawberries without taking up much room.

2. How do I make sure my DIY planters have good drainage?

Always drill drainage holes at the bottom of your planter if it doesn’t already have them. Using well-draining soil and adding a thin layer of gravel at the base can also help prevent water buildup.

3. Can I grow strawberries indoors using these planters?

Yes! As long as your strawberries get at least six hours of sunlight daily (or grow lights), they can thrive indoors. Hanging bags, plastic bottles, and small pots work well for indoor setups.

4. How often should I water strawberries in different planters?

Strawberries need consistently moist soil, but not soggy conditions. Check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Hanging bags and vertical planters dry out faster, so they may need more frequent watering than ground-level planters.

5. What type of soil is best for strawberries in these planters?

Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix with compost or organic matter. A soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal for healthy strawberry plants.