Growing Strawberries in a Greenhouse: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse is an excellent way to extend the growing season and ensure a consistent supply of fresh, sweet strawberries. Greenhouses provide a controlled environment that protects plants from frost, pests, and unpredictable weather, allowing strawberries to thrive year-round. Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced grower, cultivating strawberries in a greenhouse can be both rewarding and productive.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing strawberries in a greenhouse, from setup and planting to care and troubleshooting.

Why Grow Strawberries in a Greenhouse?

Extended Growing Season: Greenhouses allow you to grow strawberries year-round or get an earlier start in the season.
Protection: Shield plants from frost, pests, and diseases.
Higher Yields: Controlled conditions lead to healthier plants and more productive harvests.
Versatility: Grow strawberries in pots, grow bags, or directly in the soil within the greenhouse.
Consistency: Maintain optimal growing conditions for better-quality fruit.

Choosing the Best Strawberry Varieties for Greenhouse Growing

1. Day-Neutral Varieties

Description: Produce fruit continuously regardless of daylight hours.
Popular Varieties: ‘Albion,’ ‘Mara des Bois,’ ‘Tristar.’
Ideal For: Year-round production in greenhouses.

2. Ever-Bearing Varieties

Description: Produce multiple smaller harvests throughout the growing season.
Popular Varieties: ‘Seascape,’ ‘Ever Sweet.’
Ideal For: Consistent yields during the greenhouse growing season.

3. June-Bearing Varieties

Description: Produce a single, large harvest in late spring or early summer.
Popular Varieties: ‘Honeoye,’ ‘Cambridge Favourite,’ ‘Elsanta.’
Ideal For: High-yield seasonal harvests.

Setting Up Your Greenhouse for Strawberries

1. Location and Orientation

Position the greenhouse in a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Ensure proper ventilation to maintain healthy air circulation.

2. Temperature Control

Maintain temperatures between 15-24°C (59-75°F) for optimal strawberry growth.
Use a greenhouse heater in winter and shading or ventilation in summer to regulate temperatures.

3. Lighting

Install grow lights during winter or low-light periods to supplement natural light.

4. Humidity Management

Keep humidity levels around 60-70% to prevent fungal diseases.
Use fans or vents to improve airflow and reduce excessive moisture.

Planting Strawberries in a Greenhouse

1. Choosing the Right Growing Medium

Soil: Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5).
Grow Bags: A convenient option for small spaces, filled with high-quality compost.
Pots or Containers: Use pots with good drainage, at least 12 inches wide and deep.

2. Planting Steps

Fill pots, grow bags, or beds with the chosen growing medium.
Plant strawberries with the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) level with the soil surface.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for airflow and growth.
Water thoroughly after planting to help establish roots.

Caring for Greenhouse Strawberries

1. Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Use a drip irrigation system for efficient and consistent watering.

2. Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early growth stages.
Switch to a high-potassium fertilizer once flowers appear to encourage fruiting.

3. Pollination

Manually pollinate flowers using a small paintbrush or electric toothbrush to mimic natural pollination.
Alternatively, open vents to allow insects to enter during warm weather.

4. Mulching

Use straw, wood chips, or black plastic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean.

5. Pest and Disease Control

Check plants regularly for pests like aphids, spider mites, or slugs.
Use organic insecticidal soap or natural predators to control infestations.
Maintain proper ventilation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Harvesting and Storing Greenhouse Strawberries

1. When to Harvest:

Pick strawberries when they are fully ripe, red, and fragrant.

2. How to Harvest:

Gently twist or cut the stem above the fruit to avoid damaging the plant.

3. Storing Strawberries:

Refrigerate fresh strawberries for up to 3 days.
Freeze excess fruit for use in smoothies, desserts, or preserves.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Poor Pollination

Cause: Lack of natural pollinators in the greenhouse.
Solution: Manually pollinate flowers using a paintbrush or electric toothbrush.

2. Fungal Diseases

Cause: High humidity or poor airflow.
Solution: Improve ventilation and reduce watering on cloudy days.

3. Pests:

Problem: Aphids or spider mites.
- Solution: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybirds.

4. Overcrowding

Cause: Plants spaced too closely.
Solution: Maintain proper spacing to allow for air circulation.

FAQs About Growing Strawberries in a Greenhouse

1. Can strawberries grow year-round in a greenhouse?
Yes, with proper temperature, lighting, and care, strawberries can be grown year-round in a greenhouse.

2. Do I need to pollinate strawberries in a greenhouse?
Yes, manual pollination may be necessary in a greenhouse to ensure fruit production.

3. What temperature should a greenhouse be for strawberries?
Maintain temperatures between 15-24°C (59-75°F) for optimal growth.

4. Can I grow strawberries in pots in a greenhouse?
Yes, strawberries thrive in pots, making them ideal for greenhouse cultivation.

5. How often should I water strawberries in a greenhouse?
Water consistently to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging.

6. What’s the best fertilizer for greenhouse strawberries?
Use a balanced fertilizer during early growth stages and switch to a high-potassium fertilizer during flowering and fruiting.

7. How do I prevent pests in my greenhouse?
Inspect plants regularly, maintain good ventilation, and use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap.

8. How much light do strawberries need in a greenhouse?
Strawberries need 6-8 hours of light daily. Use grow lights during low-light periods.

9. Can I grow multiple strawberry varieties in one greenhouse?
Yes, growing different varieties together can extend your harvest season.

10. How do I control humidity in a greenhouse?
Use vents, fans, and avoid overwatering to maintain humidity levels around 60-70%.

Conclusion

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, sweet fruit year-round. With the right setup, care, and attention, your strawberry plants will thrive in the controlled environment of a greenhouse, producing abundant harvests for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you’re growing in pots, grow bags, or directly in the soil, greenhouse gardening offers flexibility and protection for your plants.

Start your greenhouse strawberry-growing journey today and savor the sweet rewards of homegrown fruit!