Modern technologies make it easy to grow strawberries both at home and in the conditions of a large agricultural enterprise, and repair varieties all year round give a high yield. Cultivation of this culture in the greenhouse method is gaining more and more popularity every year, due to the desire of society to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Strawberries are rich in vitamins and minerals, which provides them with huge demand. In this article we will look at hydroponic methods for growing berries, strawberry growing equipment and technology.
Differences of strawberries in hydroponics and garden grown
Berries grown using the hydroponic system do not differ from those that grow in an open environment, neither in taste, nor in external, nor in biochemical qualities and properties.
Hydroponic-grown strawberries receive the same substances necessary for normal growth as berries grown in beds or fields. The difference is only in the absence of soil, instead of which a special substrate is used in hydroponic systems. The only major difference is the absence of pests when growing strawberries in greenhouses.
What is hydroponics
The first experience of using hydroponics can be attributed to the times of ancient times. Scientists suggest that this method was used to plant the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Babylon. The name "hydroponics" itself is of Greek origin and literally means "solution for work." The technology got its name from the famous American scientist William Gerrick in the early twentieth century.
The main principle of the method of growing berries using hydroponics is to cultivate a crop using not the usual natural soil for strawberries, but a substrate obtained by artificial means. At the same time, it does not have any nutrients in its mass, but is a kind of support for the root system. Its advantages over ordinary soil include air conductivity and good moisture absorption, which is very important, for example, for seedlings.
The well-functioning hydroponics system will allow to receive large volumes of berries all year round and can be a start for organizing your own business. It is noteworthy that this method of planting compares favorably with the planting of strawberries by seeds, since it takes much less time from planting to fruiting.
Variety Selection
Before you grow strawberries at home, you need to get basic knowledge about this crop. First you need to understand how much crop and how often you want to receive. The second and most important point in the method of growing strawberries hydroponically is the selection of the desired varieties. The growing popularity of this method gave impetus to the development of selection. To date, many different varieties of strawberries have been developed that are suitable for hydroponic cultivation. But there are well-established ones that allow you to get the best result.
For successful cultivation of berries in hydroponics and a year-round high yield, experts recommend the following varieties: Crown, Gigantella, Generous, Troubadour, Fresco, Gorekla, Maxim, Elvira, Festivalnaya. These varieties have shown themselves to be the most suitable for cultivation using hydroponic technology.
Necessary materials for the cultivation of strawberries using hydroponics
The set of elements for collecting a hydroponic system may vary depending on the method selected. Some of the components can be dispensed with, but how to grow strawberries at home without the nutrient solution that is bought in specialized stores or prepared independently? For each grade, a specific mixture is suitable, therefore, before use, you need to consult a specialist or study additional literature.
In addition to a nutrient solution, a berry grown using hydroponic technology requires a substrate, which can be used as coconut flakes, expanded clay or coarse sand. For the installation of drip-type irrigation, pipes are required that supply water to each bush. Removable strawberries are very demanding on lighting and require an 18-hour light day, so it is recommended to equip the greenhouse with additional lamps. Also, do not forget about buying a container for nutrient solution and cassettes for seedlings.
Fertilizers
Strawberry dressing is mainly in the form of a liquid. Factory-made fertilizers contain a number of components necessary for the full development of the plant. These include: potassium, nitrogen, copper, iron and other elements. It is important to pay attention to the fact that fruit crops require separate funds for each period of their growth. Also, depending on the stage of development, the proportions in which fertilizers are served vary. For example, the growing season involves a large consumption of nitrogen, and the formation of the fetus requires an increased amount of phosphorus.
There are two types of fertilizer for hydroponic strawberries. The first type is organic fertilizers of biological origin that mimic the natural processes in the soil. The second type is a group of mineral fertilizers that do not have organic nutrients in their composition.
The right nutrient solution is the key to a good harvest
In order to get a rich harvest of strawberries, you need to observe a number of simple conditions for caring for this crop. At the same time, the factors most influencing the crop are:
- special irrigation system providing uninterrupted supply of moisture to the root system;
- Strawberry content required. If the temperature is not observed, the plant may die;
- good lighting.
It is noteworthy that the most important condition is a professional approach to the preparation of a special nutrient solution for irrigation. A poorly prepared mixture can lead to the death of the plant.
The basis of this solution is distilled water. It must be soft and free from impurities. Depending on the culture growth cycle and season, mineral salts are added to the mixture. It should be noted that salts are diluted in different containers using a small amount of water, and then mixed together in the same container for the mixture.
The main methods of using the hydroponic system
Cultivation of strawberries in greenhouse conditions using hydroponics and mounting cassettes for seedlings can be carried out using a number of methods. The most popular are:
- Using drip irrigation system. Plants are placed in a substrate, then the mixture is supplied. As a substrate with this method, as a rule, coconut flakes or mineral wool, placed in a dark film, acts. Water is supplied to the roots with a mixture through droppers.
- Aeroponics. In this case, the roots are not in the aquatic environment, but under the influence of fog, which is produced by a special generator. At the same time, mineral wool is taken to make the solution.
- Flooding is often used to produce strawberries in large volumes. In this case, you need to fix the pots for seedlings well.
- The method of water culture. In this embodiment, the bush is placed on the foam, which is in solution. This method is used less often than others, since it involves contact of the roots with water, which, in turn, can lead to their decay.
Secrets to improve the hydroponic method
Many, thinking about how to grow strawberries at home, want to use new scientific methods and technologies, including the hydroponic system, but not everyone knows all the subtleties of this method.
Before you start growing berries using the hydroponic method, you should know that the plant should not be in direct contact with the substrate, and the nutrient mixture should not stand idle. Its stagnation slows down the development of the plant.
The distance between the bushes should be within 15-30 centimeters, but if the plant has a large root system, then it must be increased. If possible, a solid consistency substrate should be used, as it is excellent for air permeability. Expanded clay, coarse sand and coconut flakes have maximum breathability.
For the successful cultivation of strawberries in hydroponics, it is necessary to carefully monitor the temperature regime of the room. The optimum temperature is 25 degrees Celsius during the day and at least 15 during the night.
Another significant factor when growing strawberries is light. The plant should receive light at least 18 hours a day. This problem is solved by the purchase of lighting equipment.
Conclusion
The hydroponic system makes it possible to grow strawberries all year round, as in a greenhouse, without using this system, but at the same time get a higher yield. Due to the placement of cells with seedlings not only on the floor, but also on aerial structures, the area of the room is used more rationally and gives a greater result at the exit.