Strawberries

BECAUSE STRAWBERRY PLANTS are small, they do well in containers and in tight places. Day-neutral varieties such as 'Tristar' are perfect for hanging baskets, because they can produce berries on cascading unrooted runners. Simply enrich the potting soil with 1/4 cup of gradual-release fertilizer, and place three plants in a ten-inch hanging basket.

Pouches -- hanging plastic bags that have X's cut through one side for planting (available at most nurseries and in major seed catalogs) -- can be planted with up to a dozen strawberry plants. Water regularly, and feed every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Cement construction blocks make great raised-bed borders, and their holes can be planted with strawberries as a bonus crop. The berries benefit from the extra warmth gathered by the concrete blocks and are extra sweet. Fill holes with a mixture of half compost and half potting soil. Set one everbearer or day-neutral strawberry plant in each hole. Feed the plants with liquid fertilizer twice a month, and keep them watered. Pinch off runners. Expect to harvest about one quart of berries per hole during the season.