How to Grow Hydroponic Strawberries

Select a day-neutral strawberry type for plant that produces fruit for four to six months. Purchase runner plugs for the hydroponics garden, instead of soil-grown plants that may contain pathogens.

Place the plugs in a plastic bag and refrigerate them for six to 12 weeks before planting them in the hydroponics system. The plants require winter simulation to begin the flowering process.

Assemble the hydroponics system and verify everything is in working order approximately one week before planting. Add water nutrients according to the package instructions for the water flowing through the system.

Choose a growing container that is 4 inches or larger for strawberry growth. A larger pot will allow for an increase in plant size and berry production.

Test the water pH to verify it has an acidic value of 5.5 to 5.8. Lower the pH value with a phosphoric acid solution for hydroponic gardens, available at garden supply stores.

Fill the growing pots with hydroponics medium. Plant the runner plugs so the roots are fully covered at an approximate depth of 2 inches.

Pollinate the strawberry plants once the blossoms open by brushing the flowers with your fingers. Transfer some of the pollen to the pistils of the plants. Place a fan, set on low, near the system to help with pollen transfer.

Prune the plant runners as they get long. Use the runners to create new plugs, as needed, for future plantings.

Set up grow lights if there is not a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight on the plants. Place the lights 6 to 8 inches above the plant tops and raise the lights as the plants grow taller.