How to Hydroponically Grow Quinault Strawberries

Set up the Tower

• 1

  Pound the center pole for the vertical tower into the ground in a convenient, sunny location. Follow the manufacturer's directions, as each system is different.

• 2

  Place the catch basin at the bottom of the tower, and set the system pump into the basin. Make sure the power cord is as close as possible to a power source.

• 3

  Put all of the containers over the center pole, one at a time. Fill each one with growth medium before adding the next one.

• 4

  Place the sprinkler head in the appropriate position above the top pot. Check the manufacturer's instructions for exact placement information.

• 5

  Attach the tubing from the pump to the sprinkler head. Depending on the system, this may be rigid piping or flexible tubing. This is how the nutrient solution will get from the reservoir, or catch basin, at the bottom of the tower to the top. This completes the tower assembly.

Plant the Berries

• 6

  Run the nutrient solution through the tower system one time before planting the berries. This will get the growth medium ready for planting.

• 7

  Plant one Quinault strawberry plant in each tower opening. Depending on the tower design, each pot may have four, six or eight places to plant berries. Bury the roots well into the growth medium, but don't bury the crown of the plant.

• 8

  Set the system timer to run three to four times per day, depending on how large the berries are and current weather conditions, as the system doesn't need to run as often in wet, humid conditions. Increase the number of feedings when the berries have set and have begun to develop.