Kratky of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, the Kratky Method is by far the simplest and easiest hydroponic method.įor folks just getting into hydroponics and those of us who want delicious, fresh vegetables without breaking a sweat, the Kratky Method is hands-down the best hydroponic system to choose. And while more research for optimizing strawberry production is needed, lighting and HVAC technological advances are making locally grown strawberries a year-round possibility in the near future.The Kratky Method is a system for growing plants hydroponically.ĭeveloped by horticulturist Bernard A. Strawberry vertical farming using hydroponics in a controlled environment is a cutting-edge industry in the US. The ratio of bees to flowers and the variety of the bees are factors which affect the percentage of flowers which produce fruit. Pollination: Although strawberries are self-fertile and can pollinate themselves, pollination by bees results in higher yields with bigger, better-shaped fruit. (The calyx are the leaves on top of the berry.) This reduces surface area for photosynthesis and the marketability of the strawberries. When nighttime humidity is too low, the edges of the leaves and the calyx turn brown. Humidity: Greenhouse humidity affects the strawberry plant’s ability to supply calcium to its leaves. Not only must the concentration and ratio of macro- and micronutrients be specific for strawberries, but irrigation frequency, pH levels and electrical conductivity must be targeted to the specific needs of strawberries. Nutrition: In soilless operations, water is used as a nutrient delivery system. Additionally, supplying adequate light to the top, middle and bottom of the canopy in strawberry vertical hydroponics is a challenge facing commercial growers. These factors can vary depending upon whether June-bearing, everbearing or day neutral berries are being cultivated. Light: Naturally strawberry plants require adequate light for growth, but flowering and dormancy are triggered by day length. Regulating root-zone temperature as well as ambient temperature in a hydroponic setup can improve plant growth with higher fruit yields. Temperature: Plant growth, flower production and fruit size are influenced by temperature. While the specific requirement for optimal strawberry production varies depending upon the cultivar, growing strawberries in a hydroponic system requires attention to these general cultivation requirements: Strawberry Greenhouse Cultivation Requirements Without fully understanding the cultivation requirements of different strawberry varieties, hydroponic growers face challenges for maximizing plant growth and fruit production. This number is expected to increase substantially and possibly double by 2050.Ĭurrently, high start-up costs and inadequate research on US strawberry cultivars are the primary drawbacks to using a hydroponic system to grow strawberries in the US. It’s estimated that transporting products to market accounts for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, it allows produce to be grown near its point of sale. Hydroponics uses less water and pesticides than traditional farming methods.
When hydroponic farming brings agriculture to urban areas, the planet benefits. Imagine having locally grown strawberries available year round in places like New York city or Chicago. Why Grow Strawberries Hydroponically?Īn indoor hydroponic strawberry farm can exist anywhere. With so much available land for year-round strawberry production, it’s no wonder the technology for indoor strawberry farming in the US lags behind that of European and Asian countries. Yet, strawberries are grown mainly outdoors in the US.Īlthough estimates vary, somewhere between 20,000 and 38,000 acres of land in California are dedicated to strawberry production. These operations have gained popularity in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Not all crops can be grown hydroponically, but as it turns out strawberries can be cultivated in a greenhouse setting. Can Strawberries Be Grown Hydroponically? This may change in the future as commercial growers embrace hydroponically grown strawberries. While in-season strawberries might come from local farms, 90% of US strawberries are grown in California. Did you ever wonder where the strawberries on your grocery store shelves come from? In areas of California, strawberries can be harvested year-round.
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