Light intensity greatly affects strawberry growth and development. Since light levels reaching the plants at the lower section of the towers were only 20 percent of levels measured at the top, fruit production was reduced. Bruce Pape, an organic grower of herbs and ornamentals on Maryland's Eastern Shore, has been experimenting with pot-grown strawberries as ornamental plants. Consumers would not only get a beautiful ornamental hanging basket, but a way to grow a few strawberries in the winter months as well. Pape and his wife Carmen have experimented with several strawberry varieties.
Hydroponic systems reduce space requirements and growing time needed to produce a crop.
Since there is no soil involved, no tillage is necessaryand there are no weeds to contend with. The amount of chemicals needed is reduced, since biocontrol measures work better in the controlled environment of a greenhouse and there are fewer pests. Environmental factors aren't a problem in greenhouses since lighting, temperature, humidity, and irrigation can be controlled. Nutrients used for plant growth are recyclable, to be used again and again. Using hydroponics also reduces the cost and increases the efficiency of labor.