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How to Grow Strawberry Plants Hydroponically

Hydroponic growing methods increase fruit production and efficiency for strawberry plants. The indoor set-up reduces disease and maintenance requirements and allows for year-round fruit production. You can purchase a hydroponics system or build a basic set-up yourself. A home production system will produce plenty of berries to feed a family of four. Start the hydroponic system with strawberry runners as seed propagation takes two-three years to reach maturity.

Things You'll Need

  • Day-neutral strawberry plant
  • Hydroponic system
  • Container
  • Perlite
  • Plastic wrap
  • Refrigerator
  • Hydroponics water nutrients
  • pH test kit
  • Toothbrush
  • Fan
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a day-neutral cultivar for strawberry hydroponics gardening as they produce fruit for a four- to six-month period. Propagate new seedlings by cutting runners from a mature plant.

    • 2

      Keep the rooting area moist by placing the cuttings in a container of moist perlite. Cover the container with plastic to keep out excess moisture. Do not disturb the cuttings until roots appear.

    • 3

      Stimulate winter conditions by dipping the roots in a microbial solution and wrap the new seedlings in a plastic bag. Place in the refrigerator for four months.

    • 4

      Place the strawberry seedling in the hydroponics pot after the wintering period. The plant should remain in the same pot throughout its life cycle.

    • 5

      Add hydroponics water nutrients to the system. Make sure the roots are hanging into the solution based on the type of hydroponics set-up available.

    • 6

      Test the pH to verify it is 5.8-6.2 for strawberry plants. Change the water solution every two weeks to maintain the pH level as this is the easiest way to maintain pH.

    • 7

      Pollinate the strawberry garden by brushing the flower just after it opens to disperse pollen. Gently transfer the pollen to the pistils and stamen. Set up a fan to assist with pollination.

    • 8

      Clip the runners as the plants grow. Additional pruning is not needed. Save some runners for future seedlings.

    • 9

      Harvest fruit as it ripens. Once fruiting is complete, start over with new seedlings from runners that were cut from the production plants.