Hydroponic Tomatoes & Strawberries

I have recently started a project that is going to be growing 1 tomato plant and 1 strawberry bush. They will each be in a DWC 3 gallon bucket. Now I have learned that strawberries and I believe tomatoes are 'day neutral' that if I understand correctly means they don't need a 12/12 cycle, in fact they like longer lights. So these are my questions:

• I am going to use the General Hydroponics Maxi 2-part powder nutrient system. I have looked into the feeding schedule and it has the description of the ratios per gallon of the 2 mixes, do I initiate the bloom part of the sequence once the plants begin showing flowers? Or should I wait until I hand pollinate the flowers then switch into the blooming part?

• Could they cross pollinate?

• Would having a fan on the plants possibly pollinate the plants enough to produce fruits?

I may have more questions later. Thanks for your responses.

-C

A fan may help but they will not cross polinate.

I would start the bloom when they are the size you want and remember the stretch or the first sign of flower. Blossom rot or them falling off is what most have prob's with inside. something to set the flowers will help alot.

But from what I have read, tomatoes and day-neutral strawberries begin to flower during the long hours of light during mid to late spring, and beginning of summer. I feel I will be able to get them growing, but the flowering and fruiting will take the work.

the site simplyhydro.com has a lot of answers about hydro growing and seeing as it specifically talked about hydroponically growing strawberries and tomatoes, I am growing just those.

Thanks for the input.

-C

Tomatoes are categorized as "determinate" or "indeterminate."

With determinate tomatos, they pretty much ripen simultaneously. Good for a commercial crop, or for making sauce or other big project.

Indeterminates are ready a just few fruits at a time. If you always want to have a nice tomato on hand for a sandwich slice or salad, indeterminates are the way to go. :greenthumb:

To help pollenate, use the back of a (gentle) electric toothbrush to vibrate the vine. They also make devices designed specifically to do this.

I've never done strawbs in a bucket, though. Sounds interesting, keep us posted how it works.

P.S. Peppers also do well in buckets, or in coco.

I thought about peppers but tomatoes and strawberries are the only 2 beginner veggies I could think of that people in my family like. I was actually going with the recommended strain of 'Sweet Million' for tomatoes. Heard they are very easy and produce nicely. Strawberries I have yet to thought about strawberries in terms of strain, something day-neutral or ever-bearing whatever I can find really. I need to look around to find some live plants because I don't want to start from seed this time, I would rather get a plant going and then just move on to other types and not worry about continuing the plant.

Going to the hydro store sometime soon, just need to get the funds together.

Thanks for the input.

-C

Another question.




Should I get a metal halide or HPS for this? Because at my local shop they have a deal on a 150 watt HPS with hood and such. It is cheaper than a 2ft. 4-tube t5 they have there as well, but the t5 comes with 4 6500k lights. I think I still might just get the t5 but wondering if anyone has a word to give.

-C

if thwe choice was mine between a 4 bulb t5 and a 150w hps for same price I would go t5 all the way!!

yeah, that was my thoughts too, well good to know it was confirmed. This grow should be on the way pretty soon. Sorry its not containing any MJ, but it should be a nice hydroponic experience.:D

-C

Hey when they are done you gonna make us all a batch of strawberry shortcake?? Dont forget the whip cream!!!

Haha who knows, I bet my girlfriend will eat them up before they can be washed, so I don't know if I can make plans for these here strawberries lol. The tomatoes will most likely be given to my parents and friends' parents, seeing as I hate tomatoes. I will be giving some of the tomatoes to the dog pictured in my avatar, man loves 'em. Well, going to the store today, pics will be up soon.:D

-C