Growing strawberries in hydroponic or aeroponic systems is totally fine and is a great use of your pod space. It is super easy to get started and I will walk you through every step to get your plant growing.

Growing hydroponic strawberries is incredibly easy and rewarding. All you need are some drainage equipment and growing mediums like peat moss or coir, plus nutrients to nurture the plants. You can simply place strawberry seeds in a shallow tray of water with nutrient solution added, or fill net pots or fabric pots part way up with growing medium, then put your strawberry plant cuttings in them. Hydroponic strawberries are ideal for replanting and if done correctly can continually produce runners that provide new plants indefinitely. Additionally, the lack of soil means no messy residue like dirt getting all over hands and surfaces when picking and harvesting strawberries from their hydroponic garden.

Let’s get started!

Before we dive in, I recommend getting starter plants instead of growing from seeds because it can take a REALLY long time to get fruit from a seed.

Growing plants can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenging one. One of the most challenging aspects of growing plants is the germination process. Some plants can take a long time to germinate, and even then, there is always the risk of the plant becoming wild and very small. This is especially true for strawberries, which can take about 2-3 years to germinate. In this article, we will discuss how to get started with growing strawberries and why starting with bare root strawberry crowns is a good idea.

Starting with Bare Root Strawberry Crowns

If you are just starting out with growing strawberries, it is highly recommended that you start with bare root strawberry crowns. The crown of the strawberry plant is where the plant stem meets the root, and it provides the stems and eventually the flowers energy and nutrients. This is key to getting started with growing strawberries.

One of the biggest advantages of starting with bare root strawberry crowns is that they already have flowers on them. This means that you do not have to wait for the plant to germinate and grow before you can see the fruits of your labor. It also reduces the risk of the plant becoming wild and very small, which can happen when you start with seeds or small plants.

How to Get Started with Bare Root Strawberry Crowns

To get started with bare root strawberry crowns, you will need to pick a growing medium like clay pebbles. This will allow you to rinse the soil off the roots and stick the plant in your system. The bare root strawberry crowns are almost like shrubs or trees, so be sure to read the reviews when ordering your plant to see what other clients are saying about it.

It is perfectly okay to start with bare root strawberry crowns, and it can be a great way to get started with growing strawberries. Just be sure to pick a growing medium, read the reviews, and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your plant grows healthy and strong.

Growing strawberries can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Starting with bare root strawberry crowns is a good idea for beginners, as it reduces the risk of the plant becoming wild and very small. With the right growing medium, careful attention, and a little patience, you can grow healthy and delicious strawberries in your own backyard.

Hydroponic Strawberries

Strawberries do great in hydroponic systems! The main thing to keep in mind are the two nutrient requirements. If you are planning to put the strawberries in a system with 20-90 plants, you want them to have similar requirements to yield the best result.

This is important for getting your strawberries to flower and produce fruit. If you stick them in the same system as lettuce, the lettuce may become bitter.

• Ready to eat in about 80 days if starting with bare roots.

Tips and Tricks, Lessons Learned

Desperate to keep his strawberry plants alive, Robert J. Albright tries many things to keep his plants happy. After failing his first Hydroponic Strawberry Grow, he fights to keep these alive. His desire to learn from his mistakes, has brought his strawberry plants to bright red, juicy strawberries using the FoxFarm Grow Big Nutrient Solution. Albright returns to his Hydroponic system better than ever, going through each lesson and tip he has learned along this long, hard journey.

AeroGarden Specifics 

• It is okay to plant all pods in the system with the strawberries. No need to do every other pod. AeroGarden has 2 methods of growing strawberries. You can use the normal pods or you can purchase a Grow Bowl for your Bounty.
• Bounty and Ultra Units are ideal for growing strawberries.

Aeroponic Strawberries

The same rules apply to aeroponic systems. If you have growing towers, the strawberries will do fine but be sure to get plants that like the same nutrients.

Indoor Strawberries

Indoor strawberries are so much fun! You can grow them inside with all three methods- hydroponic, aeroponic or soil. With soil just don’t forget to water AND use a grow light or south facing window to give it tons of sun.

Pruning

Be sure to prune the runners from the plant. This is the strawberry plant’s way of creating more strawberries but if the runner doesn’t go into the system you have… they will die and will take life from the other areas of the plant that produce fruit. Prune the brown and dead leaves at the base of the stem.

Pest Control

The great thing about growing inside is that you have to worry way less about pests getting into your strawberry plants. Keep an eye out for house gnats though. Neem oil is a great way to keep the strawberries healthy and pest free should there be a problem.

Diseases

Most diseases come from root rot which is not a problem with aeroponic and hydroponic systems.

However, there are two forms of fruit rot Rhizopus rot and Mucor fruit rot which come from ripe or overripe strawberries in warm climates. To avoid, pick the fruit as soon as it is ripe!

Tips & Tricks

• Purchase Bare Root Strawberries or Crowns instead of seeds for faster growth
• Cut off runners to promote growth
• Make sure the water is topped off
• Keep the light 2-4 inches above the top of the plants
• Don’t forget to pollinate the strawberry flowers
• Remove the brown and dead leaves by cutting them at the base of the stem
• Harvest the strawberries before they get overripe

Inside Scoop

A lot of people that grow strawberries indoors have problems with gnats. They swear by the Dual – Sided Yellow Sticky Gnat Traps! These attract the gnats, Whiteflies, Aphids, Leaf Miners and Thrips that are near your plants. Only place these near your plant so they do not attract anything else such as bees.

If you decide to buy your Bare Roots online, get the fastest shipping possible. Even Rush Processing if at all possible. Many people have said that their shipment got delayed, and their Bare Roots arrived dry. This is not a problem starting up, but you will more than likely have issues throughout the growing process.

Many people have mentioned that they have received mold and algae with the AeroGarden. A great way to avoid the Mold is use Clay Pebbles! Be sure to rinse and soak them in water overnight. After repotting, place your plants back into your system.

If you notice your flowers are turning black, you will need to self pollinate. You need to be the bee. Many people like to use a clean, new paint brush to self pollinate. Or you can order the AeroGarden Be the Bee Pollinator from Amazon!

Where to Buy & Best Crown Roots to Grow

• Hirts Evie Everbearing Strawberry Plants – 10 Bare Roots (Amazon)
• Albion Strawberry Plants Organic Grown – 20 Bare roots Crowns (Amazon)
• Eversweet Everbearing Strawberries Plants – 10 Bare Roots (Amazon)
• Seascape Everbearing Strawberry – 10 Bare Root Plants – Best Flavor (Amazon)

How to Prepare the Crown for Placement