Hydroponic Strawberries Growing Tips

Growing hydroponic strawberries is a great way to have year round fruit that you won't have to protect from birds and squirrels. Hydroponics is the science of growing plants in water or a soil-less material. Although strawberries can be tricky to grow hydroponically, the results are worth it.

Getting Started With Hydroponic Strawberries

Whether you start with a hydroponics kit or build your own system, there are practical things you can do to produce healthy, productive strawberry plants. Here are a few tips:

• Strawberry varieties. There are several types of strawberry plants available, but "day neutral" plants are best for hydroponic production. These plants will produce berries throughout a three to four month growing season.
• Perennial doesn't mean eternal. Strawberry plants have a three year productive span, with the best production starting in the second year. Be prepared to swap older plants out as fruit production fades.
• Keep on the sunny side. Place your hyrdoponic strawberry plants in a sunny location like a south or west facing window or a glassed in porch. They'll need at least six to seven hours a day of full sun-fluorescent grow lights can be used as a supplement.
• Temperature control. Try to keep your hydroponic strawberry plants in a temperature range from 64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The birds and the bees. Indoor strawberry plants won't benefit from natural pollination, so you'll have to d the job. As blossoms open, brush their insides with a soft brush to transfer pollen from the stamens to the pistils. An oscillating fan placed near your strawberry plants will help this process as well.
• No running! Be sure to clip runners from your strawberry plants as they appear-this new growth will take energy from fruit production. If you keep some runners for future plant production, store them in the refrigerator for several weeks to simulate winter.