Like most people, you probably assumed that night vision is expensive military technology that regular folks can’t get their hands on. And if you’re talking about professional-grade Gen 3 night vision goggles, that’s true – those cost thousands of dollars. But here’s something very interesting: you can build a working night vision setup using parts […]
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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Strawberries are one of the most rewarding fruits you can grow at home, but they can also take up a lot of ground space if you let them spread out the traditional way. Vertical growing solves that problem by stacking your plants upward instead of outward, letting you fit a surprising number of strawberries onto a patio, balcony, fence line, or even an indoor shelf.
The methods range from quick weekend DIY projects using materials you might already have like pallets, PVC pipe, or stacked crates. Or you can build your own tower systems designed to maximize yield with minimal effort. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a few square feet of outdoor space, there's a vertical strawberry setup on this list that will work for you.
Each method has its own strengths, and the best one depends on your budget, your space, and how much time you want to spend on setup and maintenance. Read through the options below and find the approach that fits your situation, then get ready for more homegrown strawberries than you'll know what to do with.
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A wooden barrel planter is one of the most classic and attractive ways to grow strawberries vertically. Holes are drilled into the sides of the barrel, typically around an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, and a strawberry plant is tucked into each opening, with additional plants along the top. A single barrel can hold a surprisingly large number of plants, with some gardeners fitting 50 or more around the sides plus a few on top.
One useful upgrade is running a central tube down the middle of the barrel filled with worm castings or compost materials. This vermicomposting column allows nutrients to distribute directly into the root zone as organic matter breaks down, giving the plants a steady, natural fertilizer source. When planting, it helps to angle the crowns slightly upward and position them higher than you think necessary, since the soil will compress and settle over time.
Hanging planters originally designed for tomatoes work surprisingly well for strawberries, and they're easy to find online or at garden centers. Bare root strawberry plants are threaded through the bottom opening of the pot, and the whole thing is hung up to let the plants grow and trail downward. It's a compact, space-saving setup that works well on a porch, pergola, or anywhere you can get a sturdy hook.
The biggest challenge with this method is keeping up with watering, since hanging containers dry out faster than in-ground or raised bed planting. In warmer climates especially, the heat of summer can stress the plants quickly if hydration slips. Positioning the planter where it gets some afternoon shade can help moderate the temperature and moisture loss, and gives the plants a better shot at flowering and fruiting through the season.
A vertical rain gutter system is an appealing way to grow strawberries when horizontal space is tight. Vinyl gutters are mounted in a staggered, stairstep pattern on a wall or fence, filled with soil, and planted with strawberries along the length of each run. The setup can pack a lot of plants into a small footprint and looks tidy and organized once the plants fill in.
That said, gutters come with some real trade-offs worth knowing going in. The shallow soil volume dries out fast, so plan on watering every day or two, and seriously consider setting up a drip or automatic irrigation system from the start. The soil temperature is also harder to regulate than an in-ground bed, running too hot in summer and too cold in winter, which stresses the plants.
A vertical hydroponic tower lets you grow strawberries indoors year-round without any soil. Plants are set into the tower's openings and fed through a recirculating nutrient solution, with the system automatically cycling water to the roots on a timed schedule. Because there's no outdoor season to work around, you can start bare root plants, let them establish, and begin harvesting within a couple of months.
Growing strawberries hydroponically does require more hands-on management than most outdoor methods. Nutrient levels and pH need regular monitoring, and the watering cycle has to be dialed in carefully. Too little and the plants dry out, too much and the roots can rot. Pollination is another consideration indoors since there are no bees, so growers often use a small vibrating tool to manually pollinate each bloom.
A vertical pallet garden is one of the most budget-friendly ways to grow strawberries vertically, and it's a great way to repurpose a material that's often available for free. The basic idea is simple: stand a wooden pallet upright, staple or nail a backing material across the rear to hold the soil in, fill the gaps between the slats with soil, and plant directly into the openings. Old trampoline mat works well as a backing, but landscape fabric, burlap, or even heavy plastic sheeting all do the job.
Before planting, it's worth taking a few minutes to clean and lightly sand the pallet to remove any rough edges or splinters. It's also a good idea to check that the pallet hasn't been treated with harmful chemicals. Look for the HT stamp (heat treated) rather than MB (methyl bromide) when selecting one. Once it's planted and standing upright, the pallet takes up very little ground space while providing a surprisingly generous growing surface for strawberries, herbs, or flowers.
A PVC pipe tower is an inexpensive and compact way to grow a surprisingly large number of strawberry plants in a very small footprint. The basic build uses a large-diameter PVC pipe, around 150mm, with openings cut or heated into the sides at evenly spaced intervals to serve as individual planting pockets. A smaller inner tube runs down the center to handle irrigation, with small holes drilled along its length to distribute water evenly throughout the soil column. A one-meter-tall tower built this way can hold up to 21 strawberry plants.
Assembly involves capping the bottom of the main pipe with drainage holes, then filling the tube in stages with a rich, nutrient-dense growing substrate as each row of plants is set in place. A small bent wire staple can be used to anchor each young plant against the opening while the roots establish themselves in the soil. Once complete, watering is simple: just pour water into the top of the central irrigation tube and it distributes downward through the column.
A fabric shoe organizer is one of the most creative and low-cost ways to grow strawberries vertically. The organizer, the kind designed to hang over a door or on a wall, gets mounted in a sunny spot, with each individual pocket filled with soil and planted with a single strawberry runner. A standard organizer can hold two dozen or more plants in a very small wall footprint, making it a great option for small patios, balconies, or fence lines.
When planting, it helps to trim off any extra leaves from the runners so the plant's energy goes toward root development rather than foliage. If runners arrive before the planter is ready, they can be wrapped in damp newspaper and stored in the refrigerator, not the freezer, to keep them fresh until planting day. Position the organizer where it will receive as much direct sunlight as possible throughout the day, since the shallow pockets warm up and dry out faster than deeper containers.
A stacked milk crate tower is one of the quickest and most affordable vertical strawberry setups you can build, coming together for under $20. The crates, which interlock and stack securely on top of each other, are lined with landscape fabric to hold the soil in place, filled with potting mix, and then planted with strawberries both along the sides and across the top. You can go as few as two crates high or stack them five or more depending on your space.
Planting is straightforward: cut small slits in the landscape fabric along the sides of each crate and tuck a strawberry plant into each opening with the crown at soil level and the roots pointing downward. Angling the plants slightly outward encourages them to spill over the sides as they grow. A tomato fertilizer mixed into the potting soil at planting time gives the strawberries a nutrient boost, and watering from the top will naturally filter down through all the levels.
A simple and budget-friendly way to grow strawberries vertically is to nest three pots of progressively smaller sizes inside each other, creating a cascading tiered effect. Start by half-filling the largest pot with potting mix, then set the medium pot down into the center, half-fill that one, and repeat with the smallest pot on top. A bamboo cane pushed through the drainage holes helps keep everything centered and stable while you fill and plant. The result is a three-tiered strawberry planter that looks great on a patio or deck and can be put together with containers you may already have on hand.
Plant three strawberries in the bottom tier, two in the middle, and one at the top, with each crown sitting just at or slightly above the soil surface. Use a light, all-purpose potting mix rather than heavy garden soil, and consider mixing in a slow-release fertilizer to help the plants establish. The concept works with any containers that graduate in size, as long as each one has drainage holes in the bottom.
A stackable vertical planter tower is a purpose-built solution designed specifically for growing strawberries in tight spaces. These towers typically come in four stackable tiers with a total of 28 individual planting sites, packing a serious number of plants into a compact footprint that works equally well indoors or outdoors. Each tier snaps onto the next, so the tower is easy to assemble and can be taken apart just as quickly for cleaning or winter storage.
Because all 28 pockets are exposed on the outside of the tower, every plant gets good light and air circulation, and the berries hang freely where they're easy to spot and harvest. Watering from the top allows moisture to filter down through the tiers, though it's worth checking the lower pockets during hot weather to make sure they're staying adequately moist. This type of planter is a great option for balconies, patios, or anywhere space is at a premium but the goal is maximum strawberry output.
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Here are 25 items you may need to replace or add to your home. Whether you’re doing a seasonal refresh, stocking up for emergencies, or simply realizing your household basics have seen better days, certain items deserve a closer look. From the bathroom to the kitchen to the garage, here’s a practical guide to 25 items you may need to replace or add to keep your home running smoothly.
Most people wait until something completely falls apart before replacing it. But worn-out tools, expired supplies, and missing essentials can quietly make daily life harder than it needs to be. A periodic review of your home inventory helps you stay prepared, safe, and efficient. This list covers the essentials across personal care, kitchen tools, baby supplies, emergency preparedness, and general household needs based on my own personal experience.
Tweezers seem simple, but a pair with dull or misaligned tips is nearly useless. If yours no longer grips well, it’s time for a replacement. Quality stainless steel tweezers with a pointed or slant tip make a noticeable difference in splinter removal, grooming, and fine-detail work. Tweezers
Dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are visibly frayed. Old bristles are less effective at removing plaque and can harbor bacteria. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced yours, that’s your answer. While you’re at it, you may want to consider an electric toothbrush. Our dentist indicated he felt they did a better job at cleaning the teeth and massaging the gums to keep them healthy.
Pillows lose their supportive structure over time, which can lead to neck pain and poor sleep quality. A general rule is to replace pillows every one to two years. If your pillow folds in half without springing back, it has reached the end of its useful life.
Bed sheets wear thin with repeated washing and use. Pilling, thinning fabric, and persistent staining are all signs that it’s time to invest in a fresh set. Quality sheets also significantly improve sleep comfort. I’m concerned about cotton fields, and the prices just keep going up. I just bought a new set of sheets since ours were sure showing signs of age and use.
Even if your sheets are holding up, pillowcases take a beating from nightly use and frequent washing. They can harbor oils, skin cells, and allergens over time. Rotating multiple sets and replacing worn ones as needed is a simple step toward better sleep hygiene.
Towels that no longer absorb water efficiently or have developed a persistent musty smell have outlived their usefulness. Most bath towels last two to five years with regular use. If yours are scratchy, thin, or smell sour even after washing, it’s time for new ones.
Wash cloths wear out faster than bath towels due to the friction of daily use. They are also affordable and easy to replace in bulk. Check yours for worn patches, thinning fabric, or lingering odors.
Kitchen towels that are stained beyond cleaning, frayed at the edges, or no longer absorbent are both ineffective and unsanitary. Keep several clean sets on rotation and replace old ones regularly.
A hot pad with worn insulation is a burn waiting to happen. If your oven mitts have thin spots, holes, or have lost their heat resistance, replace them before using them near high heat again. These are the ones I LOVE: Long Silicone Hot Gloves
A quality griddle can last for years, but non-stick coatings eventually scratch and degrade. Once the surface is flaking or food consistently sticks to it, it’s safer and more practical to replace it. Cast iron griddles are a long-lasting alternative. Cast Iron Griddle
Spatulas take a lot of daily abuse. Melted tips, cracks, or worn edges on plastic spatulas can introduce unwanted materials into food. Metal spatulas can scratch non-stick surfaces. Replacing them periodically ensures you’re cooking safely and effectively.
Cutting boards can develop deep grooves over time that trap bacteria even after washing. Warping is another sign that a board needs to go. Wooden boards can be sanded and re-oiled to extend their life, but plastic boards with deep scoring should be replaced. We use silicone gel cutting boards a lot, especially when cutting meat. They don’t scratch or show much wear, and they clean up very easily.
Faded measurement markings make accurate cooking nearly impossible. If your measuring cups are cracked, stained, or illegible, treat yourself to a new set. A reliable set of dry and liquid measuring cups is foundational to consistent cooking and baking. Measuring Cups
Measuring spoons get bent, fall off their rings, or simply get lost over time. Like measuring cups, faded markings reduce accuracy. A complete, clearly labeled set makes recipe following far more reliable. Measuring Spoons Fit In Spice Jars
If you do any volume of cooking that involves apples, potatoes, or other peelable produce, a quality apple peeler is a game-changer. Hand-crank models that clamp to a countertop peel, core, and slice in one motion. If yours is dull or rusted, a replacement will save considerable time and effort. Apple Peeler
Families who use cloth diapers know they’re an investment that pays off over time, but they do eventually wear out. Look for thinning fabric, elastic that has lost its stretch, or waterproof layers that are no longer effective. Replacing worn diapers helps prevent leaks and discomfort. Cloth/Burp Diapers
Diaper pins that are bent, dull, or have stiff clasps can be difficult and even dangerous to use. Sharp, smoothly locking pins make cloth diapering much easier and safer. Keep a fresh supply on hand. I forgot to add a hot water bottle, so here it is: Hot Water Bottle
Old batteries can leak and corrode the devices they power. Check your supply regularly for expiration dates and signs of leakage. Stock a variety of sizes, including AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt, to cover flashlights, remotes, smoke detectors, and other essential devices.
A flashlight that doesn’t work in a power outage is just a plastic tube. Test yours regularly and replace units with corroded battery compartments, cracked lenses, or unreliable switches. LED flashlights are far more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than older incandescent models. We have a bunch of solar-powered units we love. We keep them on our window sills so they stay charged.
For grilling, camping, or backup heating, propane tanks need to be checked for fuel level and expiration dates on the tank itself. Propane tanks have a manufacturer’s date stamped on the collar and are generally certified for 12 years. Old or empty tanks should be exchanged or properly disposed of. If you see rusty or cracked tank valves, replace the tanks now.
Charcoal that’s absorbed moisture lights poorly and burns unevenly. Store briquettes in a sealed container in a dry location. If yours are clumped, crumbling, or difficult to light, replace them before your next cookout to save frustration. The best way to store them is in airtight containers without the starter fluid added to the briquettes.
A roll of heavy-duty tape is one of the most versatile tools in any home. But tape dries out, loses its adhesive strength, and can become brittle over time. Keep a fresh roll of quality duct tape or Gorilla tape in your supply kit for patching, bundling, and quick repairs.
Dull scissors make cutting fabric, paper, and packaging a chore. Most household scissors can be sharpened, but heavily damaged blades or loose pivot points are signs that it’s time for a new pair. Having dedicated scissors for kitchen use, crafting, and general household tasks helps them stay sharp longer.
A well-stocked sewing kit handles everything from a missing button to a torn seam. If your thread is old and brittle, your needles are dull, or you’re missing basic colors, it’s worth refreshing your sewing supplies. A small investment in a complete kit saves money by extending the life of clothing and household textiles.
A quality multi-tool knife is one of the most useful items you can have on hand. Whether it’s a Swiss Army-style knife, a Leatherman, or a similar multi-functional tool, it combines a blade, screwdriver, bottle opener, and more into a single compact package. If yours is rusted, has broken tools, or has a blade that won’t lock properly, replace it with a reliable model.
Start by walking through each room in your home and noting items that are broken, worn, or missing entirely. Then group your needs by urgency. Safety items like batteries, flashlights, and properly functioning kitchen tools should come first. Personal care and hygiene items are next. Finally, round out your kitchen, utility, and preparedness supplies at a pace that fits your budget.
Replacing these 25 items on a regular cycle keeps your household functioning efficiently, reduces waste from items that have failed, and gives you peace of mind knowing your home is stocked and ready for daily life and unexpected situations alike.
How To Maintain Your Home Or Rental
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Home maintenance isn’t just about the walls and roof. It’s about the dozens of small items that make daily life comfortable, safe, and functional. Taking the time to evaluate and refresh these 25 household staples is one of the most practical investments you can make. A little attention now saves a lot of frustration later. May God bless this world, Linda
The post 25 Items You May Need To Replace Or Add To Your Home appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
More than four years have passed since Russian tanks crossed the Ukrainian border, and the war shows no real sign of ending. Peace talks have stalled, ceasefires last a day and fall apart, and the diplomatic ground keeps shifting under everyone’s feet. But while the world watches the front lines, Russia is making moves that […]
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