Think you need expensive pots or raised beds to start a productive garden? Think again. One of the most creative and budget-friendly ways to grow strawberries is with something you probably already have at home—a cheap plastic laundry basket.
These affordable baskets, usually found for under $5 at any dollar store or supermarket, can be easily transformed into DIY vertical strawberry planters.
Not only does this method save space and money, but it also improves airflow, reduces pests, and gives you a decorative and functional gardening solution.
In this article, we’ll show you how to grow strawberries in a laundry basket, plus reveal 7 other surprising household items that can be repurposed to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs successfully.
Why a Laundry Basket Works for Growing Strawberries
Strawberries grow best in well-draining, loose soil and benefit from good airflow around the roots and foliage.
The holes in a laundry basket allow:
- Excellent drainage, preventing root rot
- Better air circulation, reducing fungal issues
- Vertical planting, which saves space
- Multiple plants in a small footprint
- Easy harvesting and maintenance
This setup is especially useful for small-space gardening, patios, balconies, and renters looking for a temporary garden solution.
How to Grow Strawberries in a Laundry Basket
Here’s how to turn a basic laundry basket into a productive strawberry tower in a few simple steps.
Materials You’ll Need:
- 1 tall plastic laundry basket (with holes)
- Landscape fabric or burlap
- Potting soil mixed with compost
- 6–10 strawberry plants (bare root or starter plants)
- Scissors
- Optional: PVC pipe with drilled holes (for internal watering)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1.Line the basket: Line the inside of the basket with landscape fabric or burlap. This will keep soil in while still allowing water drainage and breathability through the holes.
2. Prepare the soil: Mix potting soil with compost or aged manure for a nutrient-rich blend. Fill the basket about one-third of the way.
3. Plant in layers: As you fill the basket, poke small slits in the fabric where holes line up, and insert strawberry plants sideways through each opening. Repeat every few inches as you add more soil.
4. Top it off: Once full, plant a few additional strawberry plants on top for a fuller harvest.
5. Water wisely: Use a watering can or insert a perforated PVC pipe down the center before adding soil to create an internal watering system. This ensures water reaches the lower roots.
6. Place in a sunny spot: Strawberries need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. A patio, deck, or sunny balcony works great.
7. Maintain regularly: Water consistently and feed monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer. Remove runners unless you want to propagate more plants.
Benefits of Growing Strawberries This Way:
- Space-saving vertical design
- Portable – move easily to follow the sun
- Fewer weeds and pest problems
- Affordable – cost under $10 to set up
- Scalable – use multiple baskets for more harvest
Now that you’ve turned a laundry basket into a strawberry tower, let’s look at 7 more common household items you can use creatively in the garden.
7 More Household Items You Can Repurpose for Gardening
1. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer – Vertical Herb Garden
Turn a fabric or plastic shoe organizer into a vertical wall planter. Fill each pocket with soil and plant herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and thyme.
Why it works: Excellent drainage, easy harvesting, and ideal for balconies or fences.
2. Milk Jugs – Self-Watering Containers
Cut a gallon milk jug in half. Invert the top half with the cap off into the bottom to create a simple self-watering system. Fill with soil and grow leafy greens or herbs.
Why it works: The reservoir prevents overwatering and is perfect for forgetful gardeners.
3. Old Gutters – Hanging Salad Garden
Attach clean, old gutters horizontally along a fence or wall. Drill holes for drainage, fill with soil, and plant shallow-rooted crops like lettuce, radishes, or spinach.
Why it works: Saves ground space and provides a functional wall feature.
4. Egg Cartons – Seed Starters
Use cardboard egg cartons to start seeds indoors. Fill each cup with seed-starting mix, plant seeds, and water. Once ready, you can plant the whole cup directly into the soil.
Why it works: Biodegradable, recyclable, and beginner-friendly.
5. 5-Gallon Buckets – Mini Raised Beds
These are excellent for growing tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, or even dwarf fruit trees. Drill drainage holes in the bottom and use nutrient-rich soil.
Why it works: Deep root space, durable, and easy to move around.
6. Plastic Bins – Indoor Grow Boxes
Large plastic storage bins can be converted into raised beds or hydroponic growing systems. Drill drainage holes or line with grow lights for indoor setups.
Why it works: Cheap, versatile, and ideal for year-round growing in small spaces.
7. Colanders – Hanging Baskets
Line a metal colander with coconut coir or landscape fabric. Add soil and grow trailing herbs or strawberries. Hang them on hooks or fences.
Why it works: Perfect drainage and natural rustic charm for outdoor decor.
Final Tips for Budget-Friendly Gardening
- Start small: Use what you have before buying new supplies.
- Recycle smartly: Old furniture, kitchenware, and containers often make great planters.
- Prioritize soil quality: Healthy soil = healthy plants, even in DIY containers.
- Use vertical space: Especially important for small yards, patios, and balconies.
- Grow what you eat: Start with high-yield favorites like strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs.
You don’t need a big garden or big budget to grow your own food. With a little creativity and a few everyday items—like a cheap laundry basket—you can start growing strawberries and more right at home.
Repurposing household items not only saves money, but it also reduces waste and makes gardening more accessible and fun.
Start with strawberries, and before you know it, your entire backyard or balcony could be blooming with food, flowers, and flavor.
