I've been thinking about growing greenhouse strawberries. Will this work?
Greenhouse strawberries might grow well in some areas, but previous attempts of greenhouse strawberries have proven unfeasible. This is due to several problems:
- Yield in the greenhouse has been poor. If you can't consistently harvest a pound of fruit per plant or more, the economics will not support growing this crop. Most growers that I have seen do not exceed this yield.
- Spider mites are a serious problem on strawberries. There are no registered chemicals for spider mites on greenhouse strawberries. You do not want to use illegal chemicals.
- Botryitis (gray mold) is a serious fungal disease on strawberries. There are no registered chemicals for diseases on greenhouse strawberries. You do not want to use illegal chemicals.
- Greenhouse strawberries must be pollinated. In order to get adequate pollination, it is necessary to bring in hives of bumblebees. While there are vendors who can provide these, this is another system a grower needs to understand how to handle.
- As with any crop, be sure there is a strong market for it before investing.
Publications
News
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Current and prospective greenhouse vegetable growers can learn about the specialized production method during Mississippi State University’s 2024 Greenhouse Vegetable Short Course on Feb. 27-28. The course will be held at the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center’s Magnolia Building in Verona from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. It is open to greenhouse vegetable producers throughout the Southeast.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Vegetable growers soon will have two chances to learn about managing pests on produce in greenhouses and high tunnels.
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