Strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits which are delicious and rich in vitamin C. But can you grow strawberries hydroponically? Is it sustainable?
Growing strawberries hydroponically eliminates the need for soil and uses a nutrient-rich water solution to allow for precision over the growing conditions. As a result, hydroponic strawberries grow faster and have higher yields than strawberries grown in soil.
Furthermore, when you grow strawberries hydroponically you can prevent pests, reduce the need for pesticides, and have an all-year-round harvest.
This article explains the process of growing strawberries with the innovative hydroponics system and how to ensure that you have an abundant harvest.
How to Grow Strawberries Hydroponically Step By Step
Let’s look at how to grow hydroponic strawberries step by step.
1. Choose the hydroponic system
The choice of the hydroponic system will depend on how much space you have, your budget, and your preference.
Every hydroponic system has its pros and cons. The good thing about strawberries is that their roots are small so they can survive in any hydroponic system.
However, you need to choose a system that allows for easy harvesting of mature fruits. The best hydroponics systems for strawberries are the nutrient film technique (NFT), ebb and flow, or deep water culture (DWC).
For every hydroponic system you choose, you need to have frequent monitoring to ensure that nutrient solution and oxygen levels are optimal.
2. Assemble all the materials
You will also need to grow trays, net pots (one for each plant), strawberry runners, growing medium, nutrient solution, and grow lights.
The best growing medium for strawberries is perlite or coconut coir. They are both lightweight and have excellent drainage and aeration which ensures the strawberries have the right growing conditions.
You can grow strawberries from seeds but that would take about two to three years before your first harvest. So the best option is to start growing strawberries from runners, which were cut off from a growing plant because they grow faster than seeds.
For the strawberry plants ensure that they are not in contact with soil to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. You can purchase high-quality strawberry runners from reputable suppliers in New York.
Plant the runners in the growing medium of choice (preferably perlite or coconut coir)
3. Set the hydroponics system
Now that you have everything ready it is time to set up the system. Sterilize all the equipment before starting the system to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Set up your hydroponic system according to the manual from the manufacturer.
Prepare the nutrient solution according to the pack instructions for strawberries. If you are a beginner it is advisable to buy already to use nutrient solution so that you don’t have to make adjustments.
4. Growing strawberries
You are now ready to grow hydroponic strawberries. But you need to ensure to provide the right conditions for the plants.
So how much light do hydroponic strawberries need? Strawberries need light for optimal growth. They need about 6 hours of natural light. But if you are using LED grow lights strawberries need at least 14 hours of artificial light.
You also need to keep the temperatures optimal for hydroponic strawberries which are between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensure proper air circulation and ventilation in the room to prevent mildew or mold. Keeping the right temperature promotes healthy roots that absorb nutrients easily, reduce the risk of root rot, and ensure optimal growth.
Do regular monitoring of the nutrient solution to ensure it has the right PH and nutrient levels. Adjust as necessary.
5. Maintenance
Once the hydroponic strawberries begin to grow you need to do regular pruning to remove dead leaves that would hinder optimal growth.
You also need to cut off strawberry runners to encourage the plant to start flowering. At this time you can train the plant to grow according to the direction you want it to grow whether vertically or horizontally.
Watch out for any signs of pests or powdery mildew so that you can take quick measures to prevent the spread to other plants.
If you notice any mildew on the leaves remove the affected plant immediately to prevent spreading. This article shares a comprehensive guide to preventing powdery mildew.
6 Flowering
Once the strawberries begin flowering you need to enhance pollination because the plants may not have access to natural pollinators in the enclosed space.
Use your fingers or a soft paintbrush to move pollen grains from one flower to another. Repeat the process for all the flowers on the strawberry plants to ensure all are pollinated.
Assisted pollination ensures that all flowers are pollinated which increases fruit production and leads to higher yields.
7. Harvesting
Hydroponics strawberries are usually ready for harvest about 4 weeks after flowering. That is about 8 to 12 weeks after planting strawberries. Mature fruits are large and have a consistent red coloring. If they are still green they are not ready for harvest and you should wait for a few days.
FAQs
- How long do strawberries take to grow hydroponically?
Hydroponics strawberries take about 5 to 8 weeks to start flowering. The flowers develop into mature fruit in about 3 to 4 weeks and will be ready for harvest.
- Do hydroponic strawberries taste different?
Most people believe that hydroponic strawberries taste sweeter than regular strawberries. The probable reason is that growing strawberries hydroponically allows you to have precise control of the nutrients a growing conditions which enhances the taste of the fruit and its vitamin content.
- What type of strawberry is best for hydroponics?
One of the common strawberry varieties to grow to grow in hydroponics is called Albion. The variety is known for its large and delicious fruit.
- What are the benefits of hydroponic strawberries?
Growing strawberries with hydroponics results in higher yields than regular strawberries because it is easier to control the growing conditions, prevent pests, and have all-year-round fruit production
Final Thoughts
Hydroponic gardening is a great choice for growing strawberries in a limited space. It is easy to set up and grow your strawberries in New York all year long. The benefits of growing hydroponic strawberries include faster growth, higher yields, all-year-round cultivation, lower risk of pests and diseases, and precise control of the growing conditions which leads to delicious fruit.
Remember that growing strawberries in hydroponics need regular monitoring and the right conditions for optimal growth. Be patient and keep improving your process along the way.
If you are ready to grow hydroponics strawberries invest in the process and are ready to get your first harvest before the ear ends. Read more about hydroponic gardens in the articles highlighted below.
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