How to Grow Strawberries in Rain Gutters

Strawberries are a low-maintenance fruit that will grow in nearly any type of soil. They spread quickly, so they can quickly become a weed in planting beds. Growing strawberries in containers prevents the plant from spreading too far and keeps it under control. A piece of gutter makes an ideal planting container, and allows you to position the plants in unusual or tight places such as hanging in stacks on a wall or fence. Plant strawberries in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.

Gutter snips

Gutter seal

End caps

Cordless drill

Potting soil

Hand trowel

Garden hose or watering can

Cut the length of gutter to the desired length with gutter snips.

Spread gutter seal on the outside edge of one end of the gutter and slip an end cap over the gutter to close the end. Repeat the procedure on the other end of the gutter to create a closed planting container. Allow the gutter seal to dry for several hours.

Drill a row of small drainage holes every 6 to 12 inches, beginning 1 or 2 inches from the end of the gutter. Drill vertical rows of two to four holes from the front of the gutter to the back to allow excess water to drain.

Attach the gutter to a porch railing, window sill or wall, or place it in the desired location on the patio or in the garden.

Pour nutrient-rich potting soil into the gutter container.

Dig a hole in the potting soil a few inches deep with a hand trowel or your hands.

Insert the strawberry plants into the hole and cover the roots of the plant with soil. Bury the plant just enough to cover the root, but leave the crown exposed. Space plants 30 inches apart.

Water the plants thoroughly. Keep the soil moist, adding about 1 inch of water each week.

Remove the flowers from the strawberry plants the first year to increase fruit production the following year.