Patent ID: 6598339
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A01G,Y02P

Abstract:
A method for growing strawberry plants, said method comprising growing strawberry plants for an extended photoperiod of about 16 hours in a system comprising:elevated gutters in which mother plants are grown, wherein the elevated gutters comprise open troughs which are about 10 centimeters wide and about 10 centimeters deep, wherein the gutters are separated from one another by about 30 centimeters or less at their centers; rooting medium comprising a vermiculite rperlite mix, which is placed in the elevated gutters; drip tubing; hanging trays in which to root daughter plants; a high pressure sodium halide lamp for extending the photoperiod of the mother plants; a green house having support trusses; and a means for suspending the elevated gutters over the hanging trays, wherein the elevated gutters are suspended from the support trusses, wherein daughter plant tips grow towards the hanging trays, and wherein the drip tubing delivers water and fertilizer to the mother and daughter plants.