The hydroponic vs organic Strawberries are always a hot topic amidst active fruiting season as many find one tastes better than the other.
Do not overshadow one by the other as each hydroponics and organic Strawberries has its benefit.
Scroll through the article for an accurate comparison (hydroponic Strawberries vs. organic).
Hydroponic Strawberries and Organic: Similarities
Whether you grow the Strawberries in a soilless mixture or mature compost-rich soil, the reproducing parts are still the runners and flower buds.
If you know the trick, you can harvest by the end of June or early fall, depending on the types.
So consume Strawberries without worrying about nutrient constituents, as both types are rich sources of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
Both Strawberries’ pruning needs are similar, as runners are vigorous growers that need clipping off once in the growing season.
Hydroponic Strawberries Vs. Organic: Differences
Differences between Strawberries (hydroponic vs. organic) are common, as everything used in the specific techniques differs, experienced mainly by the growers.
And because of the particular methods, the cost and yield quantity variation occurs. Look below to get a brief idea of the dissimilarities.
1. Growing media
The significant difference while growing hydroponics and organic soil is the substrate you use to produce new fruits.
In the hydroponics method, Strawberries grow in a soilless mixture (5.5-6.0 pH), either in water or inert media like perlite, coco fiber, and peat (2:1:1 ratio).
In contrast, organic Strawberries prefer sandy, loamy, well-draining soil for pot. But prefer compost-rich sandier soil (5.8-7 pH) for ground planting.
2. Water Utilization
Another factor on the list is the water and nutrient efficiency of the Strawberries.
With the soilless media, you can ensure the water is reused and recycled as the roots are already submerged, suggesting it uses 85% less water than the soil grown.
This is usually because you spray the water all over the soil from which only a portion reaches the roots of Strawberries.
It could also be because of the controlled growing environment in the case of hydroponics, where fluctuation is rare.
3. Pests and Disease Infestation Risk
“The soil is a good place to practice pest control” signifies that any vegetable and fruit, including Strawberries growing in the soil, are at higher risk of pests.
So no soil means no risks of soil-borne diseases and pests that lay eggs and feed on the plant.
Low or no pests mean the hydroponic process is pesticide free, making the process organic. But the nutrient supply and GMO seeds make it a non-organic process.
In contrast, pests like mites, bud weevils, bugs, and thrips appear in soil growth, which should be controlled organically.
4. Yield Quantity and Size
Strawberries are stacked vertically in the hydroponic system, taking less space to give off-season harvests continuously, leading to more yields.
While Strawberries in the garden grow in a row with a gap of 18 inches between the planters, which multiplies vigorously to give compacted and single flush.
Also, the root of hydroponic strawberries is open to direct water and nutrient sources, boosting the yield by three times to give bigger fruit.
However, there is no confirmation that the water and nutrients are reaching the root level in organic soil Strawberries, indirectly affecting the fruit count and yield.
5. Production Costs
The initial cost to start the hydroponic Strawberries could be a significant disadvantage as you need to prepare a system and buy the materials to initiate it.
Also, the cost of pesticides and market-bought chemical feed adds up to the overall production expense of the hydroponic Strawberries.
In contrast, organic Strawberries are cheaper and easily accessible for cultivating in a home garden using vegetable and animal waste.
It is because organic should be free from all chemical impurities, and the seed used should not be a GMO which can be in the case of hydroponic.
From Editorial Team
Extra Tips!
The preference for hydroponic and organic Strawberries varies depending on the consumer’s taste. But in comparison, a higher and better rating was given to hydroponic ones.
Also, the hydroponic Strawberries being bad is just a myth as the fruits have taken over the market in the United States since they are safe.
