Growing Strawberries Indoors in Greenhouses

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Growing strawberries in a greenhouse offers precise control over growing conditions, leading to sweeter, plumper berries and out-of-season yields, making it a feasible option for many regions.

Greenhouse-grown strawberries are a solution to the annual shortage during traditional field growth seasons. Grocers and restaurants find it difficult to source quality strawberries during certain months like November to January in the Northern Hemisphere. Greenhouse production addresses this by ensuring a stable supply of strawberries with superior quality. The benefits are especially pronounced during colder months when local field-grown fruits are not available or are of lower quality due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Not only do greenhouse-grown strawberries meet the consumer demand, but they also help growers maintain a stable cash flow. If you already have greenhouses, strawberry production is a great way to increase revenue and extend your growing season. However, before dedicating a greenhouse to strawberry cultivation, there are essential considerations for new growers. This article will outline those key points.

Indoor Production is More Predictable Than Field Production

Indoor strawberry cultivation allows for greater control over light and temperature, reducing losses from drought and frost. While pests and diseases aren't entirely eliminated, they are easier to manage using non-toxic methods. Ergonomically designed growing trays can facilitate easier harvesting and reduce labor.

Though hydroponics is not mandatory for indoor strawberry cultivation, it is often more cost-effective. Knowing your plant's nutrient needs throughout its life cycle allows for accurate nutrient delivery. Consider these two primary rules.

The First Rule of Profitable Hydroponic Greenhouse Production of Strawberries

Start where you are. Many growers use specialized buckets or gutter systems for strawberries, but they can also be grown in hanging baskets or existing pots. Strawberries prefer cooler temperatures, roughly 45°F/7°C at night and around 75°F/23°C during the day.

University of Arizona strawberry specialist Mark Kroggel emphasizes, "If greenhouses cannot be cooled to 59°F or lower at night, fruit quality is going to be drastically affected."

Strawberries require a minimum daily light integral (DLI) of 12 moles per square meter per day for proper growth.

The Second Rule of Profitable Hydroponic Greenhouse Production of Strawberries

Never stop learning. New growers need to understand cultivar selection, planting methods, feeding requirements, pest and disease management, and optimal harvesting times.

Which Cultivars Do You Plant?

Experiment with different cultivars. Popular choices include Albion, Portola, and San Andreas, but the best cultivar can vary based on local conditions. Record conditions like temperature, humidity, and nutrient mix to determine the best-performing cultivars.

What is Tip Burn?

Tip burn is a calcium deficiency often caused by low humidity. It affects both the foliage and the calyx, making the fruit unmarketable. Fine-tuning fertilizers can mitigate this issue.

What are Appropriate Containers for Growing Strawberry Plants?

While existing containers can be used initially, many growers eventually adopt a gutter system. This system includes styrofoam gutters, plastic liners, drainage pipes, and a growing medium like a mix of coconut core and peat moss. The medium is then watered and fitted with an irrigation line for consistent moisture supply.

What Changes in Nutrient Medium Affect the Quality of My Strawberries?

Strawberries have specific nutrient needs throughout their growth cycle. Key elements include calcium, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, silicon, boron, and molybdenum. Consistent monitoring and maintaining the right pH levels are crucial.

What Kinds of Pest Control Problems Are There in Greenhouse Production of Strawberries?

Greenhouse environments reduce the need for toxic chemicals, focusing instead on integrated pest management. Spider mites are a common issue controlled by predatory mites like californicus and persimilis. Whiteflies and thrips can be managed through biological controls and frequent monitoring.

The Confusing Nomenclature of Predator Mites

Different species of predator mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus are used for pest control. Lacewings, big-eyed bugs, and damsel bugs are also effective but less commonly used in greenhouse settings.

What Kinds of Diseases Affect Indoor Strawberry Crops?

Controlled-environment cultivation minimizes bacterial and fungal diseases. Powdery mildew and botrytis are potential threats, with disease prevention focused on maintaining a clean growing space and bringing in disease-free plants.

When Do You Harvest Your Fruit?

Harvesting depends on the cultivar. For example, Albion strawberries should be 90-95% red while Portola strawberries will change from an orangey color to a lighter red. A Brix refractometer can help in determining peak sugar content for harvest.

Final Words

Hydroponic systems in greenhouses protect strawberry crops from environmental challenges, allowing for more consistent yields. With the right techniques and information, growers can successfully produce high-quality strawberries year-round.

Essentials for Growing Hydroponic Strawberries Successfully

Hort Americas provides products and technical expertise for hydroponic strawberry cultivation. Essential factors include selecting appropriate growing supplies, substrates, and maintaining environmental control.

Growing Supplies

Choose suitable troughs, typically requiring at least 2 liters of substrate volume per plant. Hort Americas offers various options to suit different production needs.

Substrate

Good root zone aeration is crucial, requiring substrates with at least 15% porosity. Options include custom peat-based mixes and ready-to-use grow bags designed for strawberry production.

Environmental Control

Maintaining the appropriate environment enhances production. Factors include temperature, humidity, and light levels. Tools like 30MHz sensing technology can monitor and optimize these conditions.

Photoperiodic and Supplemental Lighting

Strawberries need a minimum DLI for optimal growth. Supplemental lighting like the GE Arize™ Element Top Light enhances greenhouse production. For early flower induction, photoperiodic lighting can trigger flowering in short-day or long-day cultivars.

Pest Management

Greenhouse structures facilitate biological pest control. Common pests like spider mites and thrips are managed using biological solutions provided by BioBee Biological Systems.

More Resources

For additional details, explore resources provided by Urban Ag News or contact Hort Americas for personalized assistance.

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