Welcome to UGrowFood

Your Gateway to Knowledge & Support for Hydroponic Farming in Your Home

Strawberry Guide for Hydroponic Growing Towers

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on growing strawberries using hydroponic systems! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for preparing your plants, caring for their roots, and ensuring bountiful berry production. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, our tips will help you achieve the best results.

Anatomy of a Strawberry Plant

Understanding the anatomy of a strawberry plant is key to effective pruning and care:
 

Crown: The heart of the plant where stems and roots meet; should be kept above the growing medium.
 

Leaves: Essential for photosynthesis; trim excess foliage to focus energy on fruit production.

Runners: Long stems that produce new plants; prune these unless propagating.
 

Roots: Vital for nutrient uptake; ensure proper aeration and drainage to prevent root rot.
 

Flowers and Fruits: Flowers develop into strawberries; ensure pollination for fruit production.

Obtaining & Preparing Your Plant 

Seed or Bare Root

We only recommend growing strawberries from bare root plants in home hydroponic systems. Growing strawberries from bare root plants rather than seeds is highly advantageous for several reasons. First, bare root plants are typically more mature than seedlings, meaning they establish more quickly and are likely to produce fruit within the first growing season, whereas growing from seeds can take much longer to reach the fruiting stage. Additionally, bare root plants are generally hardier and better able to withstand transplant shock, leading to healthier plants overall. This method also allows for better control over the plant's initial growth environment, reducing the risk of disease and pests. For hydroponic systems, starting with bare root plants ensures a more robust and resilient start, leading to more consistent and abundant yields compared to the slower and more uncertain process of growing from seeds. However, growing strawberries from bare roots is not without risks so this guide will remove those risks and get you started properly. 

Here is a reputable supplier: Johnny's Seeds 

Preparing Your Bare Root

Before introducing your bare root strawberry plant to your hydroponic system, it's crucial to prepare it properly to ensure a healthy start. Bare root plants can carry pests or diseases that might contaminate your hydroponic setup, so taking the time to disinfect and quarantine them is essential. This preparation helps to eliminate any potential threats and ensures that your plants thrive in a clean environment.

The first step is to rehydrate your new plants.  Rehydrating the bare root plants is an important step to ensure they are ready to absorb nutrients and grow effectively. Rehydrating should be done before the sanitizing process to ensure the roots are fully hydrated and able to handle the disinfection process without stress.

Rehydration Steps:
 

  • Rehydrate the Plant: Submerge the entire bare root plant in a container of clean, room-temperature water for 1-2 hours. This allows the roots to absorb water and become fully hydrated, making them more resilient to the subsequent sanitizing process.

 

Preparation Steps: 

There are three methods of sanitizing your new plant. Choose the one you have access to and refer to their order as a best to worst method. 
 

  1. Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): Safe, non-toxic, effective disinfectant. (Brand name: Force of Nature)
     
  2. Bleach: Yup, bleach. It will be pretty much the only time you will see it used. Effective but harsher; requires careful dilution. (Chlorox)
     

  3. Hydrogen Peroxide: Good for disinfection but can harm beneficial microbes if not diluted properly. (US+ or Essential Oxygen)



This step is to assure the plant is disease a pest free with the final steps being a quarantine period. NEVER DIRECTLY INTRODUCE ANY new plant to your system. 
 

  • Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Solution: Mix 50 mL of hypochlorous acid with 450 mL of clean water. Soak the bare root plant in this solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
     
  • Bleach Solution: Mix 50 mL of bleach with 450 mL of clean water. Soak the bare root plant in this solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
     

  • Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: Mix 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Soak the bare root plant in this solution for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
     

After treatment, using a prepared rockwool cube (see our seedling guide for rockwool prep) slice a rockwool cube in half. Now place the spread out the roots so they're not bunched together, place the plant in the rockwool being sure the crown is above the surface, or it will rot. Now, replace the other half of the rockwool and place everything into the netcup or yCube to secure everything in place.  Once the plant is secured, it's time to begin the quarantine process. The plant should remain in quarantine it for 1-2 weeks. During this period, feed the plant with a diluted Veg+Bloom solution at half strength to support its growth. 

Recommended Nutrients

For optimal growth and fruit production, we highly recommend using Veg+Bloom, a full-cycle plant food designed for all stages of the strawberry plant's life cycle. This nutrient solution is specially formulated to provide balanced nutrition without the need for additional additives like Cal-Mag. Veg+Bloom's superior formula promotes robust growth, flowering, and fruiting, making it an ideal choice for hydroponic strawberry cultivation.

Pruning for Better Berry Production

Pruning encourages more berries and fewer leaves:

 

  • When to Prune: Start pruning early in the growing season when the plants are actively growing. Regular pruning throughout the season helps maintain plant health and productivity.
     
  • Where to Prune: Focus on removing runners and excess foliage. Runners are the long stems that produce new plants; prune these unless you want to propagate new plants. Trim any leaves that are shading the berries to allow more light to reach the fruits.
     
  • How to Prune: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Cut runners as close to the crown as possible. For leaves, remove any that are damaged, diseased, or overcrowding the plant.


Aim to maintain a balance between foliage and fruiting sites to maximize berry production. If you decide to propagate new plants, anchor the runner to another grow port until the new plant establishes roots. Regularly trimming excess foliage also helps direct the plant's energy towards fruit production.

Recommented Grow Medium

Rockwool

We highly recommend using Rockwool for your hydroponic strawberry plants due to its excellent water retention, aeration, and stable pH environment. Here’s why Rockwool is superior:

 

Clay Pebbles: While they offer good aeration, clay pebbles do not retain moisture as effectively as Rockwool. This can lead to inconsistent water availability, which can stress the plants and affect their growth. Additionally, clay pebbles can sometimes harbor pathogens if not cleaned thoroughly, which is not ideal for sensitive strawberry roots. They also tend to be bulky and can create uneven drainage in a system like the standard Gardyn yCube, leading to potential waterlogging or dry spots.

 

Root Riot Plugs: These are known to break down over time, which can clog your hydroponic system and create an environment conducive to pathogen growth. Unlike Rockwool, Root Riot plugs may not provide the same level of consistent moisture and aeration. Their decomposition can also alter the pH balance of your nutrient solution, which is detrimental to strawberry plants. Root Riot plugs are not suitable for systems that hold water, such as the Gardyn yCube, as they can become waterlogged and contribute to root rot.

 

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a healthy and productive hydroponic strawberry garden. Happy growing!