I needed a better way to grow strawberries so I refashioned an old plastic 55 gallon drum. After cleaning the drum, I drilled two rows of 3" holes every 8 inches. I also drilled several half inch holes in the bottom of the barrel for drainage.

I spray painted the exterior of the barrel. I used a darker color so it would better absorb the sun's heat. I lined the inside of the barrel with window screening to help keep the contents secure. Then put a two inch layer of gravel.

Use two 2 inch wide pvc pipes as the irrigation system. Drill holes throughout the length of the pipes, place in the center of the barrel and fill with gravel. Fill with soil and insert your plants through the holes at each level.

This was a fun project and will easily hold about 15 plants.