Hydroponics is a technique of cultivating plants without soil for the nutrients and water to be delivered directly to the roots. Here are several benefits this new method provides: increased growth rates, increased yields, and the capacity to cultivate plants in shabby ground or territories with little space. Hydroponic systems can be installed inside or outside making it easy for anyone interested in gardening.

Strawberry Cultivar Selection

When selecting strawberry varieties for hydroponic growth, consider the following:

Day-Neutral Strawberries: These varieties generate the fruit irrespective of the number of hours of light, and this makes them suitable for hydroponics. Some common day-neutral strawberries are Albion and Seascape.

June-Bearing Strawberries: These strawberries yield one big yield per season of the year. Although they are capable of being grown hydroponically they may need some light schedule in order to do well.

Ever-Bearing Strawberries: These varieties develop fruit at one time of the year, which will give a continuous yield of strawberry. Hydroponic system compatible varieties include ‘Quinault’.

How to Get Started with Hydroponics

However, to grow plants, there is always the need to create a hydroponic system first before planting. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Hydroponic System

There are several hydroponic systems to choose from, including:

• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): In this system a layer of nutrient solution is maintained over the root zone of the plants thus promoting good aeration and uptake of nutrients.
• Deep Water Culture (DWC): Seeds are placed in a small container filled with nutrient solution; air stones are used to supply oxygen to the roots.
• Ebb and Flow: This system supplies nutrient solution to the plant roots and then withdraws it in order to allow air into the root zone.

2. Select the Growing Medium

Although hydroponics does not employ the use of soil, you still require a medium on which to grow your plants. Common options include:

• Coconut Coir: This organic material is good, because it is able to hold moisture, but drain well at the same time.
• Rock Wool: This product made from spun basalt is commonly used in hydroponics because of its high water retaining and aeration capacity.
• Perlite: Because this material is very light, it enhances the drainage and aeration processes in hydroponic systems.

3. Set up Lighting

For proper growth, strawberries need lights for about 12-16 hours in a day. If you are growing plants indoors, it would be wise to invest in LED grow light or fluorescent light to guarantee your plants get enough light.

4. Prepare the Nutrient Solution

Hydroponic strawberries require a balanced nutrient solution as one of the measures of enhancing the production of the fruits. Choose a fertilizer for fruiting plants, it should include the major elements such as nitrogen, phosphor, and potassium and minor elements such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. Use the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning dilution rates.

 Hydroponic Strawberries Planting

After your system has been established, it is now time to plant your strawberries. Follow these steps:

1. Start from Seeds or Seedlings

Hydroponic strawberries can be grown from seeds or from seedlings that are bought from a local store. If you are beginning with seeds, grow them in a soilless mix, including coconut coir, until the plants have three or four leaflets.

2. Transplanting

If using seedlings, very lightly wash off the dirt from the containers or pots they were planted in. Transplant the seedlings into your hydroponic system positioning the root ball into the nutrient solution level but the crown not in the solution to avoid rotting.

Hydroponic Strawberries: How to Take Care of Them

To get juicy fruits, proper care is required Passion is important in the process of fruiting. Here are some tips:

1. Monitor pH and EC Levels

The optimum pH for strawberry is 5.5 to 6.5. Especially, check and alter the pH level of nutrient solutions frequently. Also, keep checking the electrical conductivity (EC) to be able to maintain appropriate concentration of nutrients for growth.

2. Irrigation and Fertility

Make sure that the hydroponic system gives out the right amount of water. In NFT systems the nutrient solution should be flowing at all times, whereas in DWC and Ebb and Flow, you may not be watering as often. Refreshing the nutrient solution should be done after two weeks to avoid the deposit of nutrients in the solution.

3. Air Condition and Humidity

Strawberries are very sensitive to temperature, they grow best in temperatures ranging between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Keep relative humidity between 50% to 70%. Again, there may be a need to use fans or dehumidifiers to maintain the right conditions of the environment.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Some common problems include aphids and spider mite. This should be done using organic pest control like neem oil or insecticidal soap in order to avoid harm on your plants. Also provide adequate air flow to help avoid fungal diseases as well as proper water management.