Wine Barrel Garden Planter {w/ gardening}

Spring is {almost} here!

Well, maybe not for everyone. But we had gorgeous summer style weather on Saturday. And although it only really lasted a day (Sunday was 20 degrees cooler), it got me in the spring spirit. Which meant getting my hands dirty and going to town on my garden.

Last year my garden was awesome. Not to brag, but it was incredible {ummm, that sounds like bragging}. I had more zucchini and tomatoes than I could handle. But with the colder months, I kind of just let it go. So, after the glimpse of summer that showed itself on Saturday, I decided to get things ready.

I weeded and tilled my garden bed, swept the deck, and wiped down the table and chairs. An hour and a half, 1 blister, 2 calluses, and a sore back later, and my little backyard was ready. But I still had to wait until real spring to plant my vegetable garden.

So.... I decided to get a head start on my container gardening.


In particular, I decided to actually use the HUGE half wine barrel we got on our trip to Napa last year and  grow some strawberries.

Here's what you'll need:

half wine barrel

potting mix and a drill

apple cider vinegar and a spray bottle

fine wire mesh, wire cutters, and heavy duty staple gun

 How To

Start by drilling drainage holes in the bottom of your barrel. They should be nickel to quarter sized. We (my husband) made five.

Then cut the wire mesh to cover the holes and staple on the inside. This will help keep the soil in but allow the water to drain. Some soil will fall through, but it's ok. It will eventually compact so that there will be very little mess.

Now here's the funny/weird part. Take a spray bottle and fill with some apple cider vinegar and spray the bottom and inside of the barrel. Apparently the vinegar helps kill any fungus. 

Next, fill with soil and plant away! 

Can't wait to {hopefully} get some fresh strawberries!