Growing strawberries in guttering. Anyone tried this?

[4390evans]

I have acquired some free guttering and thinking about putting my strawberries in as most were got by the slugs this year, I think between them and my toddler I managed to get 4!

Do I put drainage holes in the bottom or should I put them on a tilt so the water runs from one gutter down into the other?
How many plants should I put in per meter?

Thanks guys

[Aberdeenplotter]

My immediate thought is that guttering isn't deep enough to hold sufficient compost

[vixylix]

I had this same thought yesterday - I was offered some beautiful old wooden guttering. I turned it down thinking there wouldnt be enough soil in there - as AP said. Let me know if you decide to give it a go though!

[skeggijon]

I put some of mine into hanging baskets in the polytunnel last year with great success and then transplanted into the garden after they had finished fruiting. I found I was able to pack them quite tightly - 4 mature plants into each 12 inch diameter basket, but the more tightly you pack them, the more frequently you will need to feed and water.
If it was me, I'd drill a few drainage holes.
Good luck and keep a photo record of your results

[Guest]

Ideally they need replanting every other year and I only use them to extend the season as a treat as you don't get masses. Skeggi grew his in baskets this year and done well. Gutter is also good for cut and come again as it is away from slugs.

There are a couple of threads, but I can't find them

[Bonsai Si]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izNbEh07Uzw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-QN7XVuPW4

[4390evans]

what do you guys think of this, will they do better in here?

[skeggijon]

^ Looks good, but unless you've already got one, free is better

[DuncanM]

I tried guttering outside, did not work.

[roitelet]

what do you guys think of this, will they do better in here?[ATTACH=CONFIG]60111[/ATTACH]

The only problem is watering.

[4390evans]

I was thinking about putting some of those water retaining crystals in, has anyone used them? what do you recon?

[boatsman]

Why don't you run a line of drip watering along the top of the guttering? If you can't get hold of the drip watering pipes try using a length of hosepipe (blocked at the end) with very small holes drilled in it at intervals.

[4390evans]

The only problem is watering.

I think I may have this covered, I found this device at work where you fill a pouch and the seep hose connected to it lets the water flow out over a day or two..
Might give it a try on my tomatoes too as they went a bit array this year, but I did get a few.

[bramble]

Guttering is just not deep enough for Strawberries.

[jackarmy]

I ve been growing tumbling toms for years in half baskets Evs ( you know the half hanging basket things you attatch to a wall or something ) , anyway, after deciding im growing sweet million cherrie toms nect year ive planted loads of strawbs into my old baskets, hoping theyll do ok .