My Strawberries Grew Faster Than Ever After This Change!

This Video is from the Youtube channel:Homegrown Passion”.ย 

My hydroponic strawberries have never grown this fast! ๐Ÿ“ After changing up my nutrient mix and dialing in the EC and pH, the results have been incredible โ€” huge berries even in late October.

Hey everyone, itโ€™s Katy! Iโ€™m back in the strawberry high tunnel today to share an update Iโ€™m so excited about. Earlier this season, I struggled with slow growth and smaller fruit, but a simple nutrient tweak completely turned things around.

In this video, Iโ€™ll show you exactly what I changed in my hydroponic formula, how I manage the pH and EC, and what Iโ€™m using for my growing medium. Youโ€™ll also see this weekโ€™s harvest โ€” Iโ€™m picking about 7 to 10 pounds twice a week right now!

๐Ÿ’ง Nutrient Changes: Switched to a premixed berry formula and adjusted calcium nitrate
๐ŸŒฟ Medium: Half peat and half perlite, topped with perlite to keep fungus gnats down
๐Ÿ“ Variety: Albion everbearing strawberries
๐ŸŒก๏ธ Conditions: Cool nights and balanced nutrients = big, sweet fruit
๐Ÿ“… Next Steps: Keeping production going through December before letting the plants rest for winter

If youโ€™re growing hydroponic strawberries, donโ€™t be afraid to experiment a little with your nutrients. The results might surprise you!

๐Ÿ‘‰ Watch next: Building The PERFECT Hydroponic Strawberry High Tunnel from Scratch!:

๐Ÿ‘‰ See more hydroponic gardening videos: Homegrown Passion Hydroponics Playlist

#hydroponicstrawberries #strawberryupdate #hydroponicgardening #HomegrownPassion #fallharvest #greenhousefarming #homesteading #bradwoodfarm

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0:00 โ€“ Introduction: My Hydroponic Strawberries Took Off!
Katy shares a quick update from the strawberry high tunnel and teases the amazing growth after changing her nutrient mix.

0:20 โ€“ Why My Strawberries Struggled Early in the Season
A look back at the slow start caused by rebuilding the trellis system and the challenges of summer heat.

0:44 โ€“ Nutrient Problems and the Big Mistake I Made
Katy explains how combining melon and strawberry nutrients caused pH and EC issues that stalled production.

1:15 โ€“ The Simple Nutrient Change That Changed Everything
She reveals the exact switch to a premixed berry formula and calcium nitrate adjustment that super-charged growth.

1:40 โ€“ Huge Berries and Heavy Production in October ๐Ÿ“
Proof that the tweak worked โ€” Katy shows massive Albion strawberries growing strong late in the season.

2:00 โ€“ Managing Runners and Boosting Fruit Size
Tips on pruning runners, spacing, and why controlling plant energy improves yield.

2:30 โ€“ Late-Season Harvest Results & Pound-Per-Week Numbers
Real harvest data: 7โ€“10 pounds twice a week and how sheโ€™s tracking production through fall.

3:05 โ€“ My Hydroponic Setup and Growing Medium
Katy walks through her system: Bato buckets filled with 50/50 peat and perlite, topped with perlite for pest control.

3:35 โ€“ Best Time of Day to Harvest Strawberries
Why early-morning picking keeps fruit fresh and extends shelf life for market sales.

4:00 โ€“ Fun & Odd Strawberries from the Garden
A lighthearted look at some unique double berries and funny shapes nature created.

4:35 โ€“ Comparing Old vs. New Nutrient Formula Results
Side-by-side insights on berry size, color, and flavor before and after the nutrient change.

5:00 โ€“ Donโ€™t Be Afraid to Experiment With Nutrients
Encouragement to test, track, and tweak your hydroponic mix to maximize yield.

5:20 โ€“ Planning for Winter and Next Springโ€™s Crop
Katy shares her plan to maintain production through December and revive plants for May and June harvests.

5:45 โ€“ Final Thoughts & Growing Tips from Katy
A wrap-up of key lessons and motivation for other hydroponic growers.

6:10 โ€“ Outro: Thanks for Watching Homegrown Passion
Katy signs off and reminds viewers to like, subscribe, and share their own strawberry growing tips

0:00 My Hydroponic Strawberries Took Off!
0:20 Early Season Struggles & Heat Issues
0:44 Nutrient Problems and My Big Mistake
1:15 The Simple Change That Fixed Everything
1:40 Huge Berries and Heavy October Harvest
2:00 Managing Runners for Bigger Fruit
2:30 Late-Season Harvest Results
3:05 My Hydroponic Setup & Growing Medium
3:35 Best Time to Harvest Strawberries
4:35 Comparing Old vs New Nutrient Formula
5:00 Donโ€™t Be Afraid to Tweak Nutrients
5:20 Preparing for Winter & Spring Revival
5:45 Final Thoughts & Growing Tips
6:10 Outro & Thanks for Watching

 

Peter Grant
 

  • @charleskiplinger9904 says:

    The high tunnel looks so much better since you put in the new stands for the bato buckets. That and the layout between the greenhouses really add to the overall beauty of the area.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thank you! We’re so happy with how the new setup looks and how much it helps the strawberries grow!

  • @DANDY1 says:

    Maybe this is better way to grow strawberries, because a few years back grower of them was running into a diesase planted in the ground.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Yes because the growing medium is neutral and I’m feeding just nutrient solution i don’t have to worry about soil disease impacts or other environmental problems you might get from in ground productions. Give it try. It does work well.

  • @michaeldunlavey1322 says:

    Gorgeous crop! Keep on growing!

  • @HomegrownPassion says:

    ๐Ÿ“ I canโ€™t believe how well my strawberries are doing now! A few small changes made a huge difference.
    What nutrients or systems are you using for your strawberries? Letโ€™s compare notes below ๐Ÿ‘‡
    And donโ€™t miss my latest garlic planting video ๐ŸŒฑ https://youtu.be/WZPneDwvqLA

    • @johnpollard744 says:

      I know it is a little strange but I would love to hear what changes you made to the hydroponics formula, plant varities, or pest treatments. Love the channel. Wow strawberry heaven.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      So I lowered my Ph to 5.9-6.0 and EC is around 1.4 I have 3 dosing 50 gallon dosing tanks. First is Cal Nit 17 pounds, Second is a water soluble fertilizer complete from Millers 40 pounds, third tank is PH adjust. I’m watering 4 times a day through.5gpm emitters. No sprays on strawberries I did find two plants this year with spider mites i just pulled the plant and filled in the area with a daughter plant. Have not had any other problems. Does that answer your question??

  • @BexarofaGardenTX says:

    The heart strawberry is too cool! Also, the flower beds you did a while back are spectacular!

  • @billking5407 says:

    I changed my strawberrys fertilizer also when it was so hot went to 20-20-20 and have big berrys like you have , off of 300 plant still getting 10 gt a week or more .

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thatโ€™s fantastic to hear! It sounds like your strawberries are thriving with that change in fertilizer.

  • @sz2352 says:

    where can we find the new strawberry feed bags that you are using?

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Those are Bato Buckets and sold by Crop King in Lodi Ohio. Give them a call and let you know we sent you and they will take care of you.

  • @johnman559 says:

    Can you mention the npk difference you made please Katie?

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      So I lowered my Ph to 5.9-6.0 and EC is around 1.4 I have 3 dosing 50 gallon dosing tanks. First is Cal Nit 17 pounds, Second is a water soluble fertilizer complete from Millers 40 pounds, third tank is PH adjust. I’m watering 4 times a day through.5gpm emitters. Does that answer your question??

    • @johnman559 says:

      โ€‹@HomegrownPassion Brill, thanks Katie very generous answer โค

  • @FensterfarmGreenhouse says:

    Berry formula? Where did you get it?
    Great video
    Chuck

  • @spacewurm says:

    Looking delicious. The strawberries look great also. ๐Ÿ˜ƒโค๐Ÿ“

  • @hatcherhollerhoodlum4418 says:

    ๐Ÿ“Liked an HYPED ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿฅฐโค

  • @alderocher9857 says:

    I have been growing 100 albion plants per year for the last 4-5 years. This year i had by far my best year. i grow in troughs with peat and perlite (i learned from your videos!) in a cattle panel green house. My question is…..How do you over winter your plants? i have tried for the last two years with no luck. Your advice would be much appreciated! Thanks, AL

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thank you so much for your kind words, AL! Iโ€™m thrilled to hear that my videos have helped you! For overwintering, I’m going to do a detailed video when mine are ready for bed but briefly i cut the plants back to the crown (after the die back from frost) make sure the medium is moist and I just let them ride out the winter in the high tunnel. I have in the past pulled all the buckets off the rails and stacked them on the floor and covered them up but I found both ways work. I’m not sure if its because the high tunnel never gets really cold. I do lose some plants but most survive. we are installing heat this year in the strawberry house and i am planning to make sure the temp never drops below freezing if possible. Would any of this work for you? Let me know and we can come up with a plan for your plants.

    • @alderocher9857 says:

      โ€‹@HomegrownPassionthanks. It is not feasible to heat my green house. I live 100 miles south of the mackinaw bridge, so it gets below zero. 2 years ago I did what you described, no survivors. Last winter I moved my troughs outside, and covered them with straw, about 5 or 10 plants survived, but produced very poorly this year. I really appreciate your video’s and your response!!

    • @alderocher9857 says:

      I can’t believe that the big college s haven’t found a good way, but haven’t found anything on the Internet.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Hmmmm. so what about pulling the plants and refrigerate like the big producers do. I think i have a procedure someplace on how they do it. Let me look around and see if I can find it for you.

  • @Holodomor4.0 says:

    I for the life of me have never been able to grow strawberries successfully. It is a goal of mine to grow them eventually. It has been made apparent to me that I will also have to use a different formula for them compared to my other crops.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Yes you do. They are fussy but can be done and if you get it worked out can be a really fun plant to grow in hydroponics. If you need some help just drop me a line

  • @qmoonwalker3847 says:

    Those are amazing! How did you figure out what to adjust your formula to? Did you drop ph below 6? Thanks.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      I did. It’s now hovering around 5.9 -6.0 I also backed off on the calcium and switched from my recipe to Millers water soluble fertilizer. So I have Millers in tank one, cal nitrate in 2 and ph in tank 3 all dosing from Dosatrons. EC is 1.4

  • @TheCarnager says:

    MMM I love strawberries and those look delicious!

  • @gardnep says:

    Lost one with a 3 day power failure. You seem to have increased N by 5 -7%

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thatโ€™s tough to hear about your loss. It sounds like a challenging situation, and hopefully, your other plants are doing well! So I lowered my Ph to 5.9-6.0 and EC is around 1.4 I have 3 dosing 50 gallon dosing tanks. First is Cal Nit 17 pounds, Second is a water soluble fertilizer complete from Millers 40 pounds, third tank is PH adjust. I’m watering 4 times a day through.5gpm emitters

  • @kellyaddy7316 says:

    Fantastic video! I only wish I could grow strawberries. I have tried so many times and just can not get it to happen. Thank you Katie for taking us all along and learning.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thanks for the kind words! Don’t give up on those strawberriesโ€”they can be a bit tricky, but so rewarding!

  • @Arjun_Rev says:

    if youโ€™re getting heat waves often , you better install fog on top of the polyhouse. It will cool down the temperature. This is how we do in South india.

    • @HomegrownPassion says:

      Thatโ€™s a great idea! Iโ€™ll definitely look into adding fog to the polyhouse to help with the heat. I know in dryer climates its works well. The only thing i can see here that might impede its success is when its hot its also like 100% humidity. If the humidity is down would work well because of the cooling effect of evaporation. I will read up on it. Thank you!!

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