Last Updated on September 8, 2024 by Sara Rose
If you want to grow strawberries in your aquaponics system we have come up with the perfect trick for you. Growing strawberries in a horizontal PVC pipe is the perfect way to maximize yields and save space. This article will tell you everything you need to know about growing strawberries in a horizontal PVC pipe.
Utilizing horizontal pipes is a common method growers use to save space. You can hang the pipes on top of each other and let your plants grow vertically up a wall. This technique is particularly useful for those who do not have adequate space on the ground.
Strawberries grow low to the ground and spread very wide. They have tendrils that grow roots to help them spread. Before we discuss growing strawberries in a horizontal PVC pipe, let’s understand how strawberries grow.
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All About Strawberries
Strawberries are a delicious fruit and when grown correctly you can get lots of tasty treats. Typically, they are grown in a cooler climate. The optimal temperature range is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to the University of New Hampshire, strawberries prefer loamy soil with good drainage. This means you will have to amend the soil with enough sand to get this texture. Try to keep the PH of your soil between 5.8 – 6.2 to achieve the best results.
Strawberries need plenty of water, so make sure you have an adequate supply available. Since you are doing it with aquaponics, this should not be a problem.
There are many different varieties of strawberries, so be sure to know which ones you are working with when planting. We recommend using a few different varieties to increase your chances of success.
Now that you know the basics about this wonderful plant, let’s discuss the details of growing strawberries in a horizontal PVC Pipe.
Making Your PVC Pipe Strawberry Planter
First, start by measuring your vertical space to come up with a clear design of what you want.
Once you have your measurements you are ready to purchase materials.
The main component of this system is PVC pipes. To be extra sustainable, try reusing some old PVC pipes from a past construction job. They are usually easy to find once you start looking.
Buying the pipes is also always an option. PVC pipes are labeled by their diameter. The larger the diameter will help your plants get bigger. Base your decision on the amount of space available.
You want something between 3 and 4 inches in diameter to ensure enough space for the roots to grow. In general, PVC pipes are sold in 10-foot pieces. But they are easy to cut to fit whatever size you need.
When all your pipes are cut, drill holes in the top of the pipe. Mark everything out first to ensure accuracy. Drill those holes around 2-4 inches in diameter.
On the bottom of the pipe, drill small holes with a ⅛ drill bit for drainage. This is where the water will exit your soil and most likely enter into your sump tank. The water will then be filtered and pushed back into your fish tank.
Once the drainage holes are set, you can start to fill the pipe with soil. Remember, they like loamy soil with not too much clay. You can add a little bit of compost after mixing clay and sand.
Learn more about: What You Can Grow In Aquaponics
Final Steps For Growing Strawberries in a Horizontal PVC Pipe
If this is for an aquaponics system, you don’t need to add too much compost. Plants will absorb nutrients from the fish waste residue living in the water. It should be an adequate supply for your plants to be healthy.
When the soil is all set, you will need to put the end caps on both sides of your PVC pipe. When you buy your PVC pipe, make sure to get the end caps that match the diameter of your pipe. So, for 4-inch pipe diameter, you need to get 4-inch pipe caps.
It all will be easily labeled at the store and you can always ask someone to help you if you are not sure. Use silicone caulk to seal the pipe cap ends.
Once your pipes are set up you can hang your pipes using wire or brackets in the place you want. Another way to hang your pipes is to use a series of hooks. The pipe will sit directly on top of the hooks,
Wherever it is located will have a lot of moisture so make sure it’s not susceptible to water damage. If you need, you can put a waterproof tarp on the walls behind the pipes.
Be sure to accurately set up your system so things drain in the right place. Measure twice, cut once! Take your time to ensure no mistakes are made.
There is a lot of flexibility in growing strawberries in a PVC pipe. It all depends on your personal needs. If you want to grow high yields, you will need more pipes. This means having enough vertical space to hang your pipes.
Hydroponic Grow Kit, 3 Layers 108 Plant Sites 12 PVC Pipes
For those who have limited space, growing strawberries in a horizontal PVC pipe is an excellent option. If you keep the right conditions and pay attention to any problems, you should have strawberries on your plate in 3 months.
Not all strawberries take the same amount of time, so be patient if you don’t see immediate results. Make sure to give your strawberries plenty of water. This method of growing can be applied to other plants as well.
If you are using wasted PVC pipes, this is also an excellent way to help clean up plastic waste from our environment.
Unfortunately, PVC pipes are used on every construction site around the world and they are very difficult to recycle. This means they often end up in our soils and oceans.
We highly recommend trying this creative way to grow fruits and protect our environment! If you do it right, it won’t be too expensive.
Please feel free to comment and ask questions below!
Read more about: Best Plants To Grow In Aquaponics
