Hey all , still enough planting time for summer harvests
.This backyard experiment worked well for me and can be organised for under $500 I reckon , even less if you already have some items.
Things needed.
*any centrifugal pump and filter , I had an onga 414 laying around so it was used.
*coco media , those bags from produce stores are fine (cheap but require preparation) or you can buy the premium cal/mag buffered stuff from the hydro stores (expensive).
*emmiters ,drippers and low density pipe , your local pumping supply specialist will only be too happy to design and take your money here. *200L drum.*hydroponic fertiliser , it seems any formula can work -mine is a modified lettuce mix ( Hewitt ).
*netting of some sort and frame , it's amazing how far bower birds will travel to pick your berries.
*table of some sort , to keep slugs and things out of harms away.
*selected strawberry cultivars , I've had great success with 'Adina' . Can be purchased through diggers seed savers or if you ask nicely I can send you some of mine
. Adina has less growing problems than 'Festival' and the other mega production varieties and nearly tastes as good too.
*patience , you can stare at them all you like but it's not going to help.If your concerned with MRL's like I am ,you definitely want to grow your own and considering you can average a punnet a day in summer it's a worthy ,healthy investment.Considerations , strawberries don't appreciate rain so a clear roof is recommended . Pollination and beneficials , native bees and lacewing must be able to fit through your net to do their stuff. Butterflies/moths will fly through also but don't seem to present a problem as long as you have decent pollen diversity present.Ventilation (wind and plant spacing) is critical for disease control.Care , pull of suspicious or dead leaves.Overwatering , watch this one as strawberry are a little sensitive.Friends , all of a sudden you will many friends telling you how yummy they are because they didn't have to pay for them.If you intend to go the cheap route and buy the cheap bags you must watch these demo's
