Strawberry Crate Tower - Important Care Steps

Important care steps for the strawberry crate tower I built a few weeks ago (by viewer request). The strawberries are starting grow in and it's looking great! Have you built yours yet? Post a picture on Instagram or Facebook ,link below!
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[@CaliKim29]

MY BOOK: Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy - get your personalized, signed copy at at calikimgardenandhome.com/books/organic-gardening-for-everyone/. CaliKim Seed Collections and CaliKim Smart Pots: calikimgardenandhome.com Good Dirt Indoor Potting Mix: good-dirt.com 10% off with code “calikim10” Smart Pots containers (excluding CK Smart Pots): 10% off w/ code “calikim” at smartpots.com Vermisterra Worm Castings, Worm Tea: 10% off w/ code “calikim” at vermisterra.com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases: Shade cloth:amzn.to/38bhWiQ Plastic crates: amzn.to/3adlliC Pruners -micro tip: amzn.to/2uNcC6E -bypass:amzn.to/30qOKkV Raised Bed Drip Irrigation Kit: amzn.to/30jSLYq Amazon search page: amzn.to/3897OqD Seed starting supplies: amzn.to/30kbmDG Garden fertilizers:amzn.to/2uQkhBh Garden disease and pest control: amzn.to/2FMw6L7 Grow Lights: amzn.to/2NlY5FB Garden Tools: amzn.to/2RiwRRq Amazon lawn & garden supplies: amzn.to/30kFe2Z

[@travisn2it]

You can take an old office chair apart and use it as a stand that will allow you to spin the tower every now and then for even sunlight.

[@VoronovV]

Какой напиток пили ? Интересное решение ... не видел раньше такого ..)))

[@bryanhunkins8667]

U could put a pvc pip with holes in it and a cap on the bottom going down the center of the tower to evenly water it

[@CaliKim29]

Bryan Hunkins Thanks for the idea, Bryan! That is a great idea if you dont have a drip system!

[@AlbertaUrbanGarden]

I wonder if you could fill a wheeling tile pipe with sand and run that down the Center of the structure. You could then fill it with water much quicker and it could weep out

[@CaliKim29]

***** I think that would work great! Thx for the suggestion, Stephen!

[@Puffyyyy]

another couple questions! -I live in san diego. Does this mean that my large tomato plant could survive through winter and continue to produce? -Is it too late to plant a small eggplant-plant? Because it is going to be very warm even through november, i think i can. -How do I transplant my large tomato plant (currently in a nursery pot, has 8 large green tomatoes on it) into a larger pot? Its currently in a 12 inch wide pot which i think is too small. -My curly parsly plant has been tilted since the day I bought it! How do I get it to stand straight again?

[@CaliKim29]

Puff~ Yes, you can grow toms all year long here as long as it has some sunlight and you don't get a hard frost. I have had at least one tomato plant survive the past few winters. You can protect it by covering it with a blanket if you expect a frost. We are blessed here in So Cal to be able to grow most of the year! I am just now planting many of my seedlings, including peppers ( also can grow year round here), tomatoes, basil, cukes, and squash. I think I planted my eggplant in July last year from a plant start and some from seed also. So plant away and plan so you can plant something all year long! You will transplant a tomato from a large pot the same way you would transplant from a small pot, it will just take a lot more effort to get it out. A grow bag is a great way to grow a tomato in a container, or a 5 gallon bucket. Here is a video I made on grow bags if you are interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3jNaHqthc2Vmbc. As far as the parsley goes, not sure about this one. You may want to just try transplanting it with some extra soil under the tilted end to compensate for it. Otherwise, maybe it just wants to be tilted! Good luck, let me know how it goes! Hope this helps!

[@gardengoddess1283]

I can tell you that she's absolutely right about the tomatoes. I've been growing tomatoe plants year round here in san diego too! I love it, we moved from northern california and you couldn't do this up there. in fact you can grow so many things for multiple seasons here, I just love it. I am a happy gardner here in San Diego!!

[@celticwitan]

You're hot and garden too? wow. You need a tv show. I mostly grow rare things and solanacea... and ethnobotanicals. I just discovered the japanese hori hori digging tool and bought one from amazon. I am going to get back to gardening, but I try to keep up with my butterfly garden. I have a degree in landscape and another in environmental horticulture as well as being a conferred FL master gardener and other wall paper..I just realized I need to make an edible landscape... not just pretty. So I want to re landscape with edible fruit plants. I should have done this in the first place but I was more concerned about my rare plants. Now I am thinking survival.. and food, so I want to make an edible landscape. After ahurricane or something I want to be able to eat. lol.. I was in the seed savers exchange in the 90s before the internet and was mailed seeds from all over the world. Now it costs too much to join. But they are agreat resource for heirloom seeds that need to be preserved. I actually discovered a husked cherry tomato that is in te UF museum.

[@Metqa]

A suggestion: As you build the tower, at the point where you are putting the soil in, go ahead and put the bare roots into the holes on the sides and then add the soil right on top. You'll get good soil contact and compression without having to go back and dig down into the container. In other words, build and plant from the bottom up, at the same time. Then when you finish the bottom crate, go ahead and water it, before building the next crate on top of it, and so on, that way you don't have to worry about whether the water from the top gets all the way to the bottom the first time. This is especially the case if your soil is peat based which often sheds water the first time it is watered. I would like to try the urban gardener's idea due to seeing your video about it and recommending it. Thanks.

[@SuperSaltydog77]

Hi Kim and CG. I just came to see how its going with your strawberries.They grow so fast and yours are looking good. Last year I returned to growing stberris after a 12 year absence. As you did I also bought bare root plants and the roots on mine were about 8-9 inches long. They grow longer and deeper than you think. The roots likely stay on the shorter side if water is supplied on a regular basis making it unnecessary for the plant to send roots deep looking for water. And for home gardeners who will supply regular watering a shallow planter such as a gutter will likely be just fine.

[@elchangoloco7151]

Can I come plant strawberries with you!😊

[@marezeedo]

I’m building a strawberry tower, and in one video you talked about 3/4” PVC pipe, so which do you recommend? Drip irrigation if pvc? Also, my strawberries are dividing like crazy now, so is it ok to transplant them into the tower while they are throwing out their vines?

[@debcabreana2997]

On my second crate, white mold grew. I think it's because the top of the crate gets no light and no air. What can I do to avoid it.

[@WalterDJPHREAKBohner]

I didn't hear a single word she said.

[@jagsfanrick]

I went to my local garden shop and got wood chips(mulch). Ones i saw at big box stores had additives and didn't want that in my garden.

[@CaliKim29]

jagsfanrick Yay! Glad you found some without the additives. You are right, don't want those on the garden. Thanks for the tip!

[@ernestroybal]

It's definitely hot where you're at.

[@marezeedo]

What a great idea! Thankyou so much!!

[@randalltaylor1376]

Can't ya' just water them with a watering can ?

[@Puffyyyy]

Hi quick question. It is going to be 90 degrees today and I am afraid for my zuchinni, tomato, bell pepper, sweet mint, curly parsley, and my dwarf lemon tree. What precautions should I take for the upcoming summer?

[@CaliKim29]

Puff~ Hello! Summer is here! My answer to that is drip irrigation and mulch! Wood chips if possible - they are the best for water retention. To have as little evaporation as possible, bury your drip line under your wood chips as I did in this video. For more info on wood chips watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/al6TYnhppbOlfJI. For more info on drip irrigation watch these videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLH4z_9MDD00IZejgtPBy03JLRm7yyVePw. With these two things, your plants will be just fine in 90 heat. Thx for watching, and let me know how it goes!

[@Puffyyyy]

Thanks! You are really great, responding to all these questions. It is very nice of you!

[@CaliKim29]

Puff~ glad it is helpful!

[@tphili555]

How did you landscape your backyard to get the different levels? How much is dedicated to vegetation verses flowers? Do you rotate the beds?

[@CaliKim29]

snowmanluv Hello - I've actually had lots of questions about this - hopefully we will be able to make a video this summer on how we landscaped our back yard. We had a professional design, and did most of the work ourselves, took about 6 months to complete. I like to intersperse vegetation and flowers throughout the garden. Most of what I grow is edible, but flowers are an important part of my garden for beauty and to attract the bees. If you would like to see a 360 view, watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/poWUl2mjpNeHbNk. I do plant different things in different spots each year, but some things in the same spot, mainly because of sun exposure. What do you like to grow in your garden?

[@MrMac5150]

That kind of heat, really beats plants to death..

[@CaliKim29]

MrMac5150 Yes, it does! Today was a nice break, we actually had a rainy day, which is unheard of here in June! The garden is already looking greener! Thx for watching!

[@charleyandsarah]

Great update on the strawberry tower. And congrats on your sub count.

[@CaliKim29]

Slowvannah Farms Thanks so much - appreciate all your support!

[@LindaPenney]

Lovely update Kim thanks for sharing have a blessed day

[@CaliKim29]

Linda Penney You too, Linda! Did you decide what to do about your compost pile? Adding the worms will work just fine! Let me know how it goes!

[@LindaPenney]

I sent a reply to your carrot one but for now the compost bins have been moved down the other end and I was taken back to find that while moving the compost it self that one or two worms were already in place but I will add some more to them as and when I can likein the back garden I have one bin and the compost is just not moving I might take the bin of and put the hose pipe on it and then put bin back over it

[@justinm2697]

I can't wait to try this idea in the lead up to my summer (Australia). Congrats on the all the subs. You now have the audience of a pop star at an arena concert for every video potentially. Tickets to see you, and camera guy, are thankfully somewhat cheaper though.

[@CaliKim29]

Justin M Justin, ha, ha! Its a good thing we are cheaper than a pop star concert! Hope you get to make the strawberry tower soon - you will love it! And thanks for your support!

[@Klink52]

Found a smaller version (8"x12"x8"H) of the crates you used for $1.45/ea. Couldn't pass, bought 3. Can't wait for planting season.

[@Sandra-nx3pl]

Thank you for your time and your videos ,your tower idea is very good ,do you think maybe can work for same herbs like cilantro or maybe for lettuce,because i live in a very hot city in summer we can get 120d...and spinach....easy to cover it front the heat....????

[@gardengoddess1283]

thanks Kim for a well put together video! I really enjoy your videos because you keep it simple, yet fun and your camera quality is fantastic! I've been in the garden for at least 35 years, its my therapy! And with your helpful reminders it makes my life so much easier!! You are doing a fabulous job! keep up the good work!

[@andrewalcantar2195]

Kim I love strawberry are my favorite but now I am allergic

[@CaliKim29]

Andrew Alcantar such a bummer, how about other berries?

[@jimthompson5272]

Why don't you have strawberries planted in the bottom crate?

[@findacozyhome-gilgarnett4417]

Being in the northeast, my garden center advised me that winter freeze may kill the plants. They said that they will have to be irrigated all winter and kept in a basement. Of cours ethis is easy since the crates are portable. Your thoughts ?

[@motivationaltrendsX]

Hi Kim, your video encouraged me to seek other options for the srrawberries. I lately had bad luck with various berry seeds, so I started to buy bare roots to have some. Thanks to you!

[@lptrolli]

Great video. Do you plant strawberries in the bottom crate?

[@jillgilson3900]

I was wondering about the approximate size of these crates even though it doesn't matter that much I suppose it is dependant on the space you can allocate to it.

[@jocelynderr5508]

your so welcome ....we love your show calikim....where is camera guy...lol

[@CaliKim29]

jocelyn derrick He needs to get on a regular video schedule - sheesh!

[@jocelynderr5508]

agreed....lol

[@Foodielaura]

Thanks for sharing these tips. I love the idea of a vertical gardening especially when space is limited.

[@CaliKim29]

Foodie Laura Yes, it is always fun to try new ways to vertical garden too! Thx for watching, Laura!

[@sjr7822]

You guys

[@daquilema2011]

nice video and I like your water jar, have U made it ? :) Thanks

[@thebatmanh.a5135]

kim *-* im in love with your vid's

[@TheDarmyman]

I straw bale garden and use soaker hoses for watering. I will be trying this and plan on burying a soaker hose in with the strawberries. Any thoughts? Has anyone tried this and any pros/con?

[@CaliKim29]

TheDarmyman I would think this would work beautifully, as the soaker hose will weep water slowly down the towner. "Organics Best" Urban Gardening ,what do you think, since you are the one who originated this wonderful idea?

[@CaliKim29]

"Organics Best" Urban Gardening great advice! And I like your tip about running the hose every few weeks just to make sure it is getting enough water. The wonderful thing about gardening is there is no "right" or "wrong" way! Don't be afraid to experiment, do what works for you, and we can all learn, well said!

[@MyDIYbyBrian]

That's a great system you made. Thanks for sharing!

[@CaliKim29]

My DIY I am so enjoying watching the strawberries grow and I give all the credit to "Organics Best" Urban Gardening for the fabulous idea!

[@baljeet890]

Kim thanks for this video.I have one question though.doesn those landscape sheets let the water go down with no problems

[@CaliKim29]

baljeet singh yes, they do. Every few weeks, though, I will take the top tower off and water in the bottom thoroughly, and add fertilizer once a month the same way. They are really taking off now!

[@baljeet890]

Thanks.how many plants would you recommend per carate

[@elizabethlacey6230]

if you are hand watering, do you still need to mulch the top? thanks.

[@CaliKim29]

+elizabeth lacey I like to mulch all my plants, Elizabeth. It really helps with water retention so I don't have to water so much. It's always good to experiment with different methods, though, to see what works for you and what you like to do. Thanks for watching!

[@elizabethlacey6230]

thank YOU!

[@wildchookMaryP]

Congrats on the 30,000 subscribers Kim & CG!! Yay! :) I love the strawberry tower. I can't wait for the berries hanging down....that would be cool! :)

[@CaliKim29]

***** Thanks so much Mary for your support all along the way! Will keep you posted on the tower, this is going to be so fun!

[@desertcitydesign]

Woo Hoo 30k Dance a Jig

[@CaliKim29]

BKD thanks, BKD! Appreciate your support!

[@erinsinclair-pequeen2052]

Hi Kim, did you see any Hula berries in your garden centers down there this year?

[@CaliKim29]

Erin Sinclair No, I haven't seen any, Erin. Not familiar with this type of berry. What's it like?

[@erinsinclair-pequeen2052]

+CaliKim29 Garden & Home DIY. It's a pineberry. The flower nursery I work for sells them as Hula berries, in a 4 pack, one is a pollinator. They're marketed to taste like pineapple, ive eaten 2 so far🍓

[@ahmdfahm]

Hi,CaliKim, Thanks a lot for u'r Video Fahm

[@CaliKim29]

Ahmd Fahm Thanks for watching, Ahmd! Are you growing strawberries?

[@rayoloco5000]

Buena idea para mi proyecto de fresas, gracias.

[@mariap.894]

Rayoloco5000. La hiciste? Que tal funcionó? Problemas para regarla?

[@KwyeuhtStorm1]

Woot woot Congrats on the success of your growing channel.

[@CaliKim29]

Kwyeuht Storm thanks - appreciate yours support!

[@nelvi9108]

when is best to water, early morning or late at afternoon?

[@CaliKim29]

Nel Vi I prefer to run my drip irrigation system in the evening, because the water has time to soak in to the soil before the sun hits it. But if you only have the time to water in the morning, then do it! Just not in the heat of the day, you'll lose a lot to evaporation. Thx for watching!

[@parsonsaj89]

Wohoo! 30K Congrats!

[@CaliKim29]

andrew parsons Thanks for all your support, Andrew!

[@msredneck001]

Nice! Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

msredneck001 You are welcome - do you like to grow strawberries?

[@hughjanus3798]

Congrats on 30K!

[@CaliKim29]

Hugh Janus Thanks, Hugh! Never dreamed this would happen when we started our channel three years ago! I really appreciate your support all along the way!

[@jayjiang]

What kind of mulch did you use?

[@jayjiang]

"Organics Best" Urban Gardening is it regular hard wood? Never used mulch on my beds cause I don't know whether it's hard to clean them if they are not fully decompose and I need to change crops for the next season.

[@CaliKim29]

Jay Jiang I used wood chips. Check out this video to see the huge pile that I got for FREE! kzbin.info/www/bejne/al6TYnhppbOlfJI. Thx for watching!

[@CaliKim29]

Jay Jiang Mulch is a must for me here in So Cal now with the drought. I have to use 25% less water this summer, and not only does it help with water retention, it breaks down over time and adds organic material to the garden beds, and brings in the worms - hugs benefits. I will always use mulch of some kind from now on in my garden. When its time to plant seeds or plant starts, I just push the mulch aside and plant underneath it. I leave some space around the plant until it gets established, when it gets about 3-4 inches high, I just push the mulch in around the plant to help the soil stay nice and moist. So far its working great, and really helping me make the water reductions I am required by the water company to make.