Want to grow strawberries in a small space without spending a fortune? Here’s how I built a Dollar Tree strawberry tower using budget supplies and bare-root plants.
Okay, it’s not picture-perfect yet — but that’s the fun of it! I just planted bare-root strawberries in this Dollar Tree tower, and I’m sharing the whole journey from the bare beginning…
This little strawberry tower project means more to me than just growing berries — it’s part of my bigger dream of turning my backyard orchard into a thriving, layered food system. I’ve been slowly building this orchard tree by tree, and adding strawberries at the base felt like the perfect next step. It’s not just about saving space, it’s about making the most of what I have, using what I can afford, and watching something grow from the ground up.
Every time I walk past this tower tucked between my fruit trees, I imagine it bursting with strawberries and feeding my family straight from the backyard. That’s the kind of self-sufficiency I’m working toward — one self-sufficient project at a time!
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Why I Chose a Strawberry Tower for My Backyard Orchard
Why Did I Choose to Grow Strawberries in a Tower Instead of the Ground?
I’ve got a good amount of space in my backyard, but not all of it is usable—especially when you have small dogs running around.
They mean well, but their curious noses and bathroom habits made planting strawberries directly in the ground a risk I didn’t want to take.
So I started looking for alternatives and realized that elevating my plants was the best solution. Not only does it keep the strawberries off the ground and away from the dogs, but it also saves space and lets me grow upward instead of outward.
If you’re dealing with limited planting space or pets of your own, this simple tower setup might be exactly what you need.
What Are the Benefits of Growing Strawberries Vertically?
Growing vertically has made a noticeable difference. For one thing, it’s easier on my back. No bending or crouching to weed or harvest—everything is right at arm level.
It’s also a great way to make the most of limited space. By stacking planters, I can grow more strawberries in a smaller footprint, which is ideal for a backyard like mine.
Better air circulation is another bonus. When your plants aren’t crowded on the ground, they’re less likely to develop mold or attract pests.
And while it’s not the main reason I chose this method, I have to admit—a tower full of strawberries looks pretty impressive once it fills in! I daydream of one day down the road my little grandchildren pulling plump strawberries and other fruits from my orchard and snacking on homegrown deliciousness! That dream of course is a bit down the road as my sons are still just teenagers, but hey, we never know, right?
Why Did I Use Dollar Tree Planters for My Strawberry Tower?
This project had to be affordable, and the Dollar Tree came through. I picked up all ten stackable planters for just over ten dollars, which is a fraction of what similar setups cost online or at garden centers.
They’re lightweight, easy to work with, and simple to modify. I drilled a hole in the center of each one to fit them onto a rebar pole, and they stacked up just the way I needed. I saw this fun hack circulating around on TikTok so I thought I would give it a try!
To me, self-sufficiency should be accessible. You don’t have to spend a lot to start growing your own food. Using Dollar Tree supplies made it possible for me to turn an idea into a real, growing tower without a big investment with the potential to replicate the project possibly a few more times.
Can I Grow Strawberry Towers Between Fruit Trees?
That’s actually where I placed mine—right between two of the fruit trees in my backyard orchard. I started my first strawberry tower right between my cherry tree and pear tree.
It’s a space that usually goes unused, but it gets plenty of sun and is close to my water source. The strawberries complement the orchard environment and don’t compete too heavily with the trees for nutrients since they are in their own planters.
My long-term plan is to add more towers between the rest of the trees, creating a layered system that produces food on every level. It’s a small step toward a food forest setup that works in the space I already have.
The tower blends in beautifully and feels like a natural extension of the orchard—both practical and productive.
Supplies I Used from Dollar Tree (Plus a Few Extras)
Why Did I Choose 10 Stackable Plastic Planters from Dollar Tree?
When I first started this project, I knew I wanted to keep costs low without sacrificing functionality. That’s why I turned to Dollar Tree for stackable plastic planters. These planters are lightweight, sturdy, and the perfect size for building a vertical tower. I picked up ten planters for just a few bucks, which allowed me to stack them and create a sturdy base for my strawberry tower.
These stackable planters come in a pack of three and I thought I was getting 9 since I bought three packs. I ended up with a bonus planter since one of the stacks had 4! Go me! I did not realize this until I got home, put them down in the basement for a few weeks because it was not time to plant them, and then I found out I had one extra bonus planter!
The best part? They’re stackable, which means I can easily add or adjust them as my strawberry tower grows and expands. Dollar Tree gave me a budget-friendly, flexible solution that works perfectly for my backyard setup!
Why Did I Use Rebar from Home Depot for Center Stability?
Stability is key when building any kind of vertical garden, especially one like a strawberry tower. That’s why I chose rebar from Home Depot to act as the central support for my tower. Rebar is a strong, durable material that helps keep the planters secure and stable, even when the tower starts to fill with soil and plants.
By driving a long piece of rebar down the center of the stack, I ensured that the whole structure wouldn’t wobble or tip over in the wind. This simple addition made the tower a lot more reliable and easy to maintain.
Why Did I Use a One-Hole Brick from Home Depot to Lift My Strawberry Tower?
If you have pets (like I do), you know that they sometimes have a habit of using your garden beds as their personal bathroom. To avoid this issue with my strawberries, I decided to raise my tower off the ground using a one-hole brick from Home Depot.
This clever trick keeps the base of the tower elevated just enough to keep the dogs from peeing on the plants. They are small dogs. This simple, yet effective step, kept the strawberries safe from the dogs and helped the plants thrive in their elevated tower.
Why Did I Choose Compost Soil for My Strawberry Tower?
The soil you use in your vertical garden is just as important as the structure itself. For my strawberry tower, I decided to go with compost soil for a few reasons. First, it’s rich in nutrients and helps strawberries grow strong, healthy roots.
Second, it improves the soil structure, allowing for better water retention and drainage—both essential for keeping strawberries hydrated without waterlogging the roots. Compost soil also enhances microbial activity, which promotes better plant health. I made sure to pack each planter tightly with nutrient-rich compost to set my strawberries up for success.
Why Did I Use Straw for Moisture Retention in My Strawberry Tower?
Keeping your plants hydrated is key to success, especially in a vertical garden where water tends to evaporate quickly. To combat this, I added a layer of straw on top of the soil in each planter. Straw acts as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture and keep the soil cool. It also helps prevent weeds from sprouting, which can compete with my strawberries for nutrients.
Over time, the straw will break down and add even more nutrients to the soil. It’s an affordable, natural way to improve soil health and keep my plants thriving all season long.
Fun Fact! How Strawberries Got Their Name!
Did you know that the name “strawberry” may have come from the old practice of mulching strawberry plants with straw? Early gardeners would lay straw around the plants to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds — and over time, the fruit became known as “strawberries” because of the straw!
So, when I top my strawberry tower with straw, I’m not just following an old gardening tradition — I’m also honoring the history behind the fruit’s name. It’s a fun way to connect with the past while growing fresh, delicious strawberries right in my backyard orchard!
Why Did I Choose Bare Root Strawberries for My Tower?
For my vertical strawberry tower, I decided to go with bare-root strawberries. These plants are an affordable option that can be easily planted and grown in a variety of setups, including vertical gardens. Bare root plants are often shipped dormant, which makes them less expensive and easier to store until you’re ready to plant.
Once I put them in the soil, they quickly sprang to life, establishing strong roots and starting to grow. Plus, bare-root strawberries are adaptable and can thrive in small spaces, making them the perfect choice for my tower. Watching them grow and eventually produce fruit feels so rewarding!
How I Assembled My Dollar Tree Strawberry Tower
Where Is the Best Spot for a Strawberry Tower in My Garden?
After considering several spots in my backyard, I decided to place my strawberry tower between two fruit trees in my orchard. This location is ideal because it gets plenty of sunlight and is close to my water source, making it convenient for both watering and harvesting.
Plus, the space between the trees was underutilized—perfect for a vertical garden. Not only does this spot maximize my garden space, but it also blends beautifully with the existing landscape, making the strawberry tower feel like a natural extension of my orchard.
How Did I Secure the Rebar for My Strawberry Tower?
To ensure the stability of my tower, I needed to secure the center support. So, I drove a piece of rebar into the ground at the spot where I planned to build the tower. Rebar is strong, durable, and an affordable option for providing vertical stability. I made sure to push the rebar deep enough into the ground to provide a solid foundation for the stackable planters.
This step ensures that the tower won’t tip over, even as the plants grow and the tower fills with soil. The rebar keeps everything secure and upright, which is crucial for vertical gardening.
Why Did I Place a One-Hole Brick as the Base for My Tower?
To further stabilize the tower and prevent my dogs from getting into the plants, I used a one-hole brick to raise the tower off the ground. This simple yet effective addition serves two purposes: it keeps the base elevated enough to avoid any pet interference, and it helps with stability. It’s a small detail that made a big difference, and I recommend it if you have pets!
How Did I Drill the Hole for the Rebar in Each Planter?
Each of the stackable plastic planters needed a hole drilled in the bottom center to allow them to fit onto the rebar. Using a drill with a large bit, I carefully drilled a hole in the center of each planter. The hole needed to be just wide enough for the rebar to slide through, creating a tight, secure fit.
Drilling the hole wasn’t difficult, but it did take a bit of time to make sure each planter was perfectly aligned for stacking. This step is crucial for ensuring the tower remains stable and the planters stay in place.
How Did I Stack the Planters onto the Rebar?
Once the hole was drilled, it was time to stack the planters onto the rebar. I started with the bottom planter, sliding it onto the rebar and then adding the next one, making sure each tier was securely in place. I kept the stack tight so the tower wouldn’t wobble or shift. Each planter fit neatly onto the rebar, and I made sure to evenly space them as I went up.
As I stacked, I could already picture the lush strawberry plants filling each tier, which made the process even more exciting!
What Soil Did I Use for the Strawberry Tower?
After securing the planters in place, it was time to fill them with soil. I opted for compost-rich soil to ensure the strawberries had the nutrients they needed to thrive. Compost soil provides a perfect balance of nutrients, moisture retention, and drainage, which is essential for strawberries.
I made sure to fill each tier generously with the compost, packing it firmly but not too tightly to allow the roots to spread. With each tier, I could already see the foundation for a thriving strawberry tower coming together.
How Did I Space the Bare-Root Strawberries in Each Planter?
When planting my bare-root strawberries, I made sure to space them correctly. The key is to plant one strawberry per spot, leaving enough room for the roots to spread out. I placed three strawberries in each planter, one toward each edge. Root placement is critical—I made sure the crowns (the part where the plant meets the roots) were level with the soil surface, not buried too deep.
Proper spacing and root placement will help the plants grow strong and healthy without overcrowding, giving them plenty of room to produce berries.
Why Did I Top the Soil with Straw for Moisture Retention?
To keep the soil from drying out too quickly, I added a layer of straw on top of the soil in each planter. Straw helps with moisture retention, keeping the soil cool and hydrated, which is essential during hot spells. It also prevents weeds from growing and helps maintain an even temperature for the roots.
I made sure to spread the straw evenly across each planter, creating a nice, thick layer that would keep the soil protected throughout the growing season.
Planting the Strawberries
When planting in a vertical tower, it’s important to start from the bottom and work your way up. This method ensures that you don’t accidentally disturb the layers of soil in the upper planters. If you were to plant the top planters first, you could end up knocking soil out of the lower tiers when you add plants to the upper ones. By starting at the bottom, you can carefully fill each planter with soil and position your plants without disrupting the rest of the tower.
Not only does this keep the soil levels intact, but it also helps maintain the stability of the entire structure. You want to keep the tower compact and secure, and planting from the bottom up ensures that the base layers stay undisturbed as you work your way up the tower.
This approach also allows you to manage your space better, making sure each tier gets the attention it needs for healthy plant growth. It’s a simple step, but it can save you from unnecessary mess and make the planting process more efficient.
Placement and Why It Matters
Where Did I Place My Strawberry Tower in My Backyard Orchard?
I decided to tuck my strawberry tower between two fruit trees in my backyard orchard. This spot seemed perfect because the tower benefits from the natural environment provided by the trees. By positioning it here, I’m able to maximize space in my orchard and create a more diverse, productive garden.
The strawberry tower has a clear view of the surrounding plants, and the orchard provides a peaceful backdrop to my growing tower. It’s also an area that’s easy to access, making it convenient for watering and harvesting the strawberries. Being part of my orchard not only allows the strawberries to thrive but also integrates the tower into my overall self-sufficiency goals.
Does My Strawberry Tower Get Enough Sunlight?
One of the key benefits of placing my strawberry tower between these two fruit trees is that it gets a great mix of sun and shade throughout the day. During the morning, the strawberries soak up the early sunlight, which helps them start their day strong. In the afternoon, the trees provide a bit of shade, which is ideal for preventing the plants from getting too much direct sunlight during the hotter part of the day.
This balance keeps the soil from drying out too quickly, providing optimal growing conditions for my strawberries. Having the right amount of sunlight is crucial to encourage healthy growth, and this spot provides just that—enough sun for the plants to grow strong and enough shade to protect them during the heat.
Why Did I Choose This Location for Its Proximity to Water + Aesthetic Appeal?
The location I chose for my strawberry tower is conveniently close to my water source. Being able to easily access water makes my life a lot easier when it comes to regular watering. Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially when growing vertically, so having the water nearby ensures I can keep the plants hydrated without having to go far.
Additionally, the location is incredibly aesthetically appealing. With the orchard as a backdrop, my strawberry tower adds a natural, rustic feel to the space. I love how the vertical garden blends seamlessly with the surrounding fruit trees, enhancing the overall beauty of my microfood forest while also serving a practical purpose. This spot is not only functional but also elevates the visual appeal of my garden.
Why Will I Be Adding More Strawberry Towers to My Micro Food Forest This Season?
Looking ahead, I plan to add even more strawberry towers to my micro food forest this season or the next season. As I continue expanding my self-sufficiency journey, having multiple towers will allow me to grow more strawberries without taking up too much space. Vertical gardening is a great solution when working in small spaces, and the strawberry towers are a perfect way to maximize my harvest.
Plus, having several towers spaced around my fruit trees will help create a lush, thriving ecosystem where everything supports each other. The more towers I add, the more I’ll be able to integrate these vertical gardens into my sustainable food production system, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh, homegrown strawberries. It’s an exciting step toward making my orchard even more productive!
Care Tips for a Bare Root Strawberry Tower
What Is the Best Watering Strategy for My Strawberry Tower?
When it comes to watering my strawberry tower, I’ve found that a top-down watering strategy works best for even distribution. Watering from the top allows moisture to trickle down through each tier, ensuring that all the plant roots get a good drink. However, I also make sure to water each individual tier directly if it feels dry, especially when the weather is hot.
This way, I ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened from top to bottom, preventing any plant from going thirsty. The key is to avoid overwatering, as that can lead to root rot, so I monitor the moisture levels and adjust my watering based on the weather. This approach helps keep my strawberries happy, thriving, and healthy throughout the growing season so far.
How Do I Know When My Strawberry Plants Have “Taken”?
In the first few weeks after planting, it’s important to check for signs that the strawberries have “taken” or established themselves in the tower. You’ll know they’ve taken root when you start seeing new growth—small green leaves or tiny runners emerging from the crown. At this point, the roots should be spreading out through the compost-rich soil, and the plants will start to adjust to their new environment.
Another way to tell is by giving the plants a gentle tug. If they resist and feel firmly rooted in the soil, it’s a good sign that they’re settling in. I also look out for a little growth spurt after a few weeks, signaling that the plants are getting the nutrients and water they need to thrive. Patience is key during this stage, as it can take time for the plants to fully establish themselves.
What Should I Expect from My Strawberry Plants in the First Few Weeks?
In the first few weeks after planting my bare-root strawberries, I didn’t expect much in terms of fruit production, but I did look for healthy growth and development. Early on, the plants focused on root establishment, so I didn’t see many visible berries right away. What I did see was new leaf growth and small green sprouts, which were promising signs of healthy plants. It’s important not to expect fruit too soon—strawberries often take time to adjust to their new environment.
During the first few weeks, I continued to water regularly and monitor for pests or diseases. If the plants are in good condition, you’ll start to see them settling in and growing stronger as they get used to their new home. By the end of the first month, they should be well on their way to becoming strong, productive plants.
Plans to Expand – More Towers Coming!
What Are Some Future Tower Ideas for Growing Under More Trees?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my strawberry tower project by adding more towers under different trees in my orchard. Placing additional towers beneath the canopy of more fruit trees will help create a more diverse, layered garden. By using vertical space in this way, I can maximize my yield without taking up extra ground space, which is crucial when working in a small area like my backyard orchard.
These new towers will allow me to grow even more strawberries while keeping the setup organized and visually appealing. I’m also considering mixing herbs or flowers in some of these towers to add color and variety, which can also help attract more beneficial insects to my orchard. This idea of integrating multiple layers of plants and gardens will be a great addition to my microfood forest, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves.
Can I Mix Strawberries with Herbs or Flowers in the Tower?
Absolutely! One of the things I love about this vertical tower system is how flexible it is. I’m planning to mix strawberries with herbs or flowers in some of my future towers. Not only does this provide more diversity in my orchard, but it can also be beneficial for the plants. Herbs like basil or mint can help deter pests naturally, and flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Plus, this combination of plants can help keep the tower looking aesthetically pleasing while also boosting productivity. Mixing plants in a vertical garden allows me to maximize space and create a more harmonious garden environment where everything works together to enhance the growth of the strawberries and the overall health of my orchard.
Why Do I Love This Vertical Growing System for My Orchard?
I’m a huge fan of this vertical growing system because it’s an efficient way to maximize space in my orchard while promoting sustainability. The towers fit perfectly into the smaller spaces between my fruit trees, where I wouldn’t have room to plant in the ground. The system helps bring in more pollinators, which is essential for the success of my entire orchard.
Flowers, herbs, and strawberries all work together to create a thriving ecosystem where bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects can pollinate my fruit trees and plants. It’s a win-win situation.
Not only am I able to grow more food, but I’m also supporting a healthy environment for the natural wildlife that supports my orchard’s productivity. This vertical system is a way to make the most of every inch of space in my food forest, making it an integral part of my sustainable living practices.
Why Should You Start Your Vertical Tower Garden Now — It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect!
If you’re considering starting your own vertical tower garden, I encourage you to begin now — don’t wait for everything to be perfect. I’m still in the process of perfecting my system, and I’ll be continuously updating this post as the project progresses. The beauty of this system is that it’s simple to start and doesn’t require perfection.
You don’t need a huge space or fancy equipment to get going — just a few stackable planters, some soil, and a bit of creativity. Over time, you can adjust and expand the project as you see what works best for your space and needs. Starting now will give you the chance to learn and grow with your garden.
Plus, watching your vertical garden evolve is incredibly rewarding, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with a little effort. Don’t stress about getting it perfect right away — just get started!
Conclusion
Whether you’ve got a sprawling orchard or just a small patio space, this Dollar Tree strawberry tower is the perfect example that you don’t need a big budget to grow your own fresh berries. The beauty of this project is that it’s highly adaptable — you can create your own version no matter how much space you have available.
As my plants fill out and grow, I’ll be sure to keep this post updated with my progress, sharing new insights along the way. If you decide to try building a strawberry tower yourself, I’d love to see your version!
Tag me on social media or drop a comment below to share your journey. It’s always exciting to connect with fellow gardeners, and I can’t wait to see how you make this project your own.
Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.
1. Can I use this strawberry tower in small spaces?
Yes! This vertical tower is perfect for small spaces like patios, balconies, or even urban gardens. It’s a great way to grow fresh strawberries without needing a lot of ground space.
2. What materials do I need to build a strawberry tower?
You’ll need stackable planters (I used ones from Dollar Tree), a rebar for stability, a one-hole brick to lift the tower off the ground, compost soil, bare-root strawberries, and straw for moisture retention.
3. How do I water my strawberry tower?
Watering from the top down works best, allowing moisture to trickle down through each tier. You can also water each tier directly if needed, especially in hot weather.
4. How long does it take for the strawberries to start growing?
It can take a few weeks for the bare-root strawberries to establish themselves. Look for new growth and signs of healthy roots, but be patient as they adjust to their new environment.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to grow your own permaculture garden.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
Plants that like each other, attract beneficial insects and pollinators to each other as well as repel pesky enemies to keep each other safe, happy, and healthy. Remember your tight-knit friend group in school when you all looked out for each other? Keeping your enemies out and your friends in is exactly the same thing that plants like to do too. When you keep their foes away from them, you will be preventing your garden from acquiring diseases and pests and find that you do not need extra help with chemicals just to be successful. If you skip companion planting in your garden, you are more likely to resort to using chemicals on your plants. CLICK TO READ MORE.
