Strawberry Tree - Part 4

Back to Part 3
 
Next step is to cut out the holes with a hole saw. This is pretty self explanatory. For each of the points you marked, drill out a 2" hole.
 
At the top end of the pipe drill holes 180 degrees apart, about 1 1/2 or 2" from the top. These holes will hold the rod or bolts to attach to a chain to hang the strawberry tree by. Now you are ready to start planting.
Make sure your potting mix is not dry. Start by filling only up to the first row of holes - maybe a little more, but not much. Place the strawberry plants in the holes so that the leaves have plenty of room to come out, and the roots are well in the soil. Put enough soild in the container now to cover the first row of holes. Continue up until the entire container is full.
 
If you want you can plant two or three strawberries on the very top of the pipe. I did not, simply becuase I don't have enough yet. It might make it easier to water without any pants up there also. Your choice.
 
Water from the top. You can check the moister level at various heights in the container were the strawberries are planted. Don't let them stay wet too long. I installed a $3 swivel so that once a day or every few days I can rotate the entire tree to allow all plants to get the full sun.
 
A note about watering: Don't rush! Water slowly and let it soak in. To much water at once could possibly wash out the soil through the holes. After the root balls get larger this will become less of an issue. So for a while at least, be careful watering.