Growing Hydroponic Strawberries in Your Farmstand!

So You Planted Strawberries—Now What?

You’ve planted your strawberry seedlings in the Farmstand—exciting! While they may be one of the most loved fruits, strawberries can be a bit more high-maintenance than they let on. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here's everything you need to know to set yourself up for sweet success.

What to Expect

Strawberries need full sun and prefer cooler temps to thrive. While they’re perennial plants, they take their time getting started. Expect a 5–8 week window for the seedling to establish itself and begin flowering.

Once flowers appear, each one will eventually become a fruit—ready for harvest in 3–4 weeks. In total, it can take 12 weeks from planting to the first ripe strawberry.

A few key climate notes:

• Ideal daytime temps: 55°F to 85°F
• Cooler nights: 45°F to 70°F preferred
• Humidity: 50–75%
• Too hot to handle: Daily averages above 95°F may stress the plant
• Too warm at night: Nighttime temps consistently over 65°F can reduce fruit production
• Airflow: Gentle breeze from a fan (especially indoors)

Growing Tips

Water + Nutrients

• Do a full water reset just before planting strawberries.
• Repeat water change every 2 months.
• Only add nutrients when topping off with fresh purified water.
• PRO TIP: We recommend using an EC pen to keep nutrient levels in the ideal range (1.5–2.5).

Plant Care

• Prune runners regularly to redirect energy to flower and fruit production.
• Trim dead or damaged leaves and flowers.
• Remove any early flowers before the plant has 6 fully developed leaves to promote strong growth.
• Apply the Arber Pest Kit preventatively every 2 weeks to protect from common pests and disease.

Pollination

Strawberries are self-pollinating, but they do better with a little help. Outdoors, insects and wind do the job. Indoors, your fan helps simulate this—but for best results, give your plants a hand:

• Gently brush pollen between flowers with your finger or a soft tool like a small paintbrush or electric toothbrush.
• Do this in the morning when pollen is most active.

Irrigation Notes

Initially, strawberry seedlings require minimal watering, less than most other seedlings or mature plants. Adjust the timer to maintain a moist, but not oversaturated growing medium. This timer schedule will vary based on environmental conditions, such as indoor versus outdoor cultivation.

Adjust accordingly:

• For growing in Cool or Indoor Conditions with new seedlings: refer to the cool/indoor water cycle for the entire grow time.

• For growing Outdoors with new seedlings:

• From Week 1-4: follow the 'Cool' settings below

• After week 5: follow the 'Warm' weather setting unless temps exceed 95F, in which case refer to the "Hot" cycle.

• If you are also simultaneously growing larger plants, this may be insufficient. If growing alongside larger plants, ignore the strawberry timer recommendations and refer to the default timer settings.

Suggested Timer Settings

• Hot climate: 15 min on / 45 min off
• Warm climate: 15 min on / 105 min off
• Cool/indoor climate: 15 min on / 225 min off

How to Harvest

Strawberries are ready to pick when they’re fully red—they won’t continue to ripen after being harvested. Snip the berry at the stem with scissors to avoid damaging the plant.

1. Store in the fridge for 3–5 days

2. Only wash right before eating

3. Best enjoyed within a day or two—with a friend, of course 🍓

Watch Out for Pests

Strawberries are irresistible—to humans and pests. Here’s how to keep yours safe:

🐛 Common Culprits

1. Aphids: Check under leaves. Wash off with water or treat with insecticidal soap or Neem Oil (every 3–5 days).

2. Spider mites: Thrive in dry conditions. Keep plants healthy and misted. Treat with Neem Oil or insecticidal soap.

3. Slugs/snails: Look for slime trails or holes in fruit. Use Sluggo or diatomaceous earth.

🦌 Larger Visitors

1. Squirrels, deer, birds: Move your Farmstand away from railings or branches they might use as a launchpad.

2. In high-pressure zones, consider using a small portable greenhouse to protect your bounty.

With the right conditions and care, your strawberries will reward you with bright, flavorful fruit all season long. Stay curious, stay observant, and enjoy the journey—from seedling to sweet success.