You've just described my own experience with these pots perfectly. I even tried, the second year, inserting a tube with holes in it (actually an old birdseed feeder minus the top and bottom) to enable water to permeate better, but no, still didn't work. In the end, I smashed the pot up (it was terracotta) and used it as crocks.

I filled mine with Geraniums last year and they did very well as they like it dry.

I've got one filled with violas (it's featured on my avatar) and they've done very well.

Strawberries just need so much water

my experience too, though my brother put some old towel into each 'cup' to help retain water. he also watered twice daily no matter what the weather. personally I now use them for succulents/sedums etc.

Thank you all very much - I think the message is not to try again, esp. if old towels don't work! that's really helpful as the plants cost quite a lot anyway and it's such a shame to waste them - and to waste all the time and energy trying to get them to thrive. I think I'll try the geraniums - did you use trailing or upright and did you put one in each hole including the top

I used Pelargoniums (geraniums) all upright ones, one in the top and one in each side. I used red leaved one in the top and green leaved ones around the sides, all with orange flowers to compliment the terracotta pot. It is in my garden and photos list last July if you want to have a look.

it's up to you, but I favour Cascade geraniums, if you can get them, over the ivy leaf ones any day, although a couple of ivy leaf ones in the top would be good.

Thank you , I don't think I've heard of Cascade geraniums - is that what to look for on the label? and what do they look like?

Google 'cascade geraniums' plenty of pictures on line.