Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farming is a 168-page publication for anyone hesitating between building a climate-controlled greenhouse or establishing an advanced Indoor Farm powered entirely by LED lights.

The first part of the book focuses on climate-controlled greenhouses, outlining the pros and cons of every option for construction material, cooling, heating, humidity control, flooring, air circulation, etc.

The second part covers indoor farming, discussing LED light strategies, CO₂ management, HVAC options, sanitary protocols, and compares building an indoor farm from scratch versus repurposing an existing structure.

Based on our hands-on experience developing CEA projects in over 50 countries across 6 continents, this publication provides the essential knowledge to help readers determine whether a climate-controlled greenhouse or an indoor farm is the best solution for their specific needs and budget.

No matter the climate, this is the only publication that outlines the pros and cons of every option for climate-controlled greenhouses and indoor farms. Our real-world experience ranges from developing large commercial projects from the ground up to repurposing small garages into efficient indoor farms.

Not only is Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farming the only book to cover the subject in such depth, but it is also the only one written by a team of professionals with hands-on experience. Unlike guides written from behind a desk, this book is authored by experts who have truly walked the walk, developing climate-controlled greenhouses and indoor farms in some of the world’s most challenging environments, from the harsh cold of Mongolia to the intense heat of the Middle East.

One key focus of the book is cost. We provide clear breakdowns of expenses, from initial investments to long-term operating costs.

Beyond conventional crops, we explore specialized options such as growing mushrooms, cultivating algae, and raising insects and snails in controlled environments.

Watch the video below featuring Agrotonomy’s CEO speaking about Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farming

1. What is the table of contents of Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farming?

Table Of Contents

Preface

Part 1: Climate-Controlled Greenhouses

Chapter 1: Acronyms Related to Climate-Controlled Greenhouses
Chapter 2: Recommended Greenhouse Shapes for Full Climate Control
Chapter 3: Climate Control Components of a Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
Chapter 4: Comparison of Greenhouse Materials: Polycarbonate vs. Polyethylene vs. Glass
Chapter 5: Greenhouse Climate Control System
Chapter 6: Polycarbonate Thickness and Filtration for 1000 m² Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
Chapter 7: Climate-Controlled Greenhouse Fan Systems
Chapter 8: Cooling Methods in Fully Climate-Controlled Greenhouses
Chapter 9: Compressor vs. Desiccant Dehumidification: Climate-Controlled Greenhouse Humidity Management
Chapter 10: Sanitary Protocols for a Fully Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
Chapter 11: Recommended Luminosity in a Fully Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
Chapter 12: Average Cost of State-of-the-Art Fully Climate-Controlled Greenhouses
Chapter 13: Energy Footprint and Water Consumption for a 1000 m² Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
Chapter 14: Recommended Ranges for Temperature, Humidity, and CO₂ Levels by Crop
Chapter 15: Recommended Technical Specs for Farming with Aeroponic Towers
Chapter 16: Greenhouse Consultation & Purchasing Service

Part 2: Indoor Farming

Chapter 17: Acronyms for Indoor Farm Operating with LED Lights
Chapter 18: Main Components of an Indoor Farm Operating 100% with LED Lights
Chapter 19: Best Heating Options for Indoor Farms Using LED Lights
Chapter 20: Cooling Options for Indoor Farms with LED Lights
Chapter 21: Maintaining Optimal CO₂ Levels in Indoor Farms
Chapter 22: Hire HVAC Experts
Chapter 23: Indoor Farm Energy Consumption
Chapter 24: Vertical Farming Systems for Indoor Farms
Chapter 25: Sanitary Protocols for Indoor Farming Using LED Lights
Chapter 26: Light Recipes for Indoor Farming
Chapter 27: Light Requirements & Space Metrics for an Indoor Tower Farm
Chapter 28: Most Profitable Crops for Indoor Farming
Chapter 29: Cost Comparison: New Build vs Renovation for 1000 m² Indoor Farm
Chapter 30: Mushroom Farming
Chapter 31: Insect Farming Indoors
Chapter 32: Algae Farming Indoors
Chapter 33: Snail Farming Indoors

Part 3: Miscellaneous

Chapter 34: Why an Indoor Farm is Better than a Climate-Controlled Greenhouse for Growing Strawberries Year-Round
Chapter 35: Why a Climate-Controlled Greenhouse is Better than an Indoor Farm for Growing Tomatoes Year-Round
Chapter 36: Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Chapter 37: 101 Crops: Humidity & Temperature Range
Chapter 38: CEA Development & Consultation Services.

2. In which format will receive Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farming?

Climate-Controlled Greenhouses vs. Indoor Farmingwill be delivered to you via email as a password-protected PDF file.
In January 2025, a printed edition of the book will be available exclusively on Amazon. Customers who previously purchased the e-book on Agrotonomy.com will receive a coupon for a significant discount on the printed version.

Learn More Through Our E-books

We recommend that you get a copy of our e-books to learn more about our innovative vertical method using aeroponic towers:

Sign Up for our Masterclass

We invite you to sign up for our ultimate Tower Farm Masterclass and gain all the essential knowledge about Tower Farm and Tower Garden. Learn from the worldwide leaders in Tower Farm Development.

The Tower Farm Masterclass includes 16 comprehensive chapters, such as assembly, irrigation, nutrients, seedlings, harvest rotation, planting strategies, cleaning, maintenance, and a lot more.

Click here to find out more about our Tower Farm Masterclass.

At the heart of the aeroponic tower is a low-wattage submersible pump, which ensures consistent irrigation for all the plants. The process begins by placing the reservoir on the ground, securing the lid, and connecting two stainless steel rods for stability.

Next, we install the most critical component: a reliable Sicce pump. These pumps are known for being robust, silent, and durable, with no reported failures on our farm. They feature an adjustable flow rate and a magnetized rotor, making assembly simple.

Once the pump is attached to the underside of the reservoir lid, we stack the growing sections to the desired height, fill the tower with nutrient water, and add the seedlings. The pump, set on a timer, runs for 3 minutes and rests for 12 minutes, repeatedly bringing water to the top and allowing it to drip down through the roots.

An irrigation tube automatically refills the tower, putting the system on autopilot. After 4 to 6 weeks, most leafy greens are ready for harvest.

In a commercial Tower Farm, pumps are on for 3 minutes and off for 12 minutes continuously 24/7. In other words, the daily electrical consumption of a tower is as follows:

Total hours per day:

12 minutes per hour × 24 hours = 288 minutes = 4.8 hours per day.

Daily power consumption:

Power consumed per day = 45 watts × 4.8 hours = 216 watt-hours.

Convert to kilowatt-hours (kWh):

216 watt-hours = 216 ÷ 1000 = 0.216 kWh per day.

Sicce Syncra Silent 3.0:

Over the years of setting up Tower Farms around the world, we have used pumps from all leading brands from the USA, Japan, Korea, France, and Germany. They all break after a while above all when used outdoors. This is not the case with Sicce Syncra Silent 3.0:

The Syncra Silent 3.0 from Sicce is the pump model we use. I also can serve a wide range of aquatic applications, including aquariums, hydroponic systems, and fountains. Here are the characteristics that make this pump special:

Quiet Operation: As the name “Silent” suggests, one of its main selling points is its very low noise level during operation. This is achieved through Sicce’s high-quality design, which includes vibration-reducing rubber feet and well-constructed internal components.

Energy Efficiency: The Syncra Silent series, including the 3.0 model, is designed to provide high performance while using less electricity compared to other similar pumps. Versatile Applications: The Syncra Silent 3.0 can be used in both freshwater and saltwater systems. Its design makes it flexible for various uses, such as water circulation, filtration, and even aeroponics.

Durability: Sicce is known for producing long-lasting pumps, and the Syncra Silent 3.0 is no exception. It’s made from high-quality materials that are resistant to wear, which ensures a longer operational life.

Compact Size: Despite its powerful output (up to 714 gallons per hour or around 2700 liters per hour), the pump is compact, making it easy to fit into tight spaces in aquariums or other systems.

Adjustable Flow Rate: The pump allows for easy adjustment of the flow rate, which gives users more control over water movement depending on the application.

Thermal Protection: The Syncra Silent 3.0 comes with thermal protection to prevent overheating, ensuring safety and protection against damage.

Whether growing food with a Tower Garden home or a Tower Garden flex for residential use, or whether using commercial aeroponic towers, we are proud to exclusively use Sicce pumps.

Cucumbers are one of the “aeroponic champions,” thriving remarkably well with our technology. They produce bountiful harvests and offer many different variety options. Here are some of our favorite cucumber varieties to grow:

1. Unagi Cucumbers

Famous for their glossy and spineless appearance, Unagi cucumbers are juicy, crunchy, and flavorful.

2. Dragon’s Egg Cucumbers

The Dragon’s Egg cucumber is an heirloom variety from Croatia. Like most heirloom varieties, Dragon’s Egg cucumbers are more prone to pests and diseases than their hybrid counterparts. However, they are also considered heavy-yielders.

3. Suyo Cucumbers

Suyo cucumbers are a traditional variety from China, known for their impressive length. Their bitterness-free flavor makes them ideal for both fresh consumption and juicing.

4. Sikkim Cucumbers

Originating from the Himalayas, the Sikkim cucumber is an ancient variety with a truly unique appearance. It has rusty, brownish-red skin covered in scales, giving it a distinct look. As an ancient, heirloom variety, it is more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

5. Itachi Cucumbers

The Itachi cucumber is a long, white variety from Japan and is one of the highest-yielding cucumbers in our aeroponic towers. It’s an excellent choice when looking for a variety that produces an abundance of fruit with minimal space.

6. Armenian Cucumbers

Botanically classified as a muskmelon, the Armenian cucumber has a crisp texture. Despite its unusual classification, it tastes just like a traditional cucumber.

7. Salt and Pepper Cucumbers

The Salt and Pepper cucumber is an excellent variety for pickling. It starts out white and turns yellow as it ripens. It’s also highly resistant to powdery mildew.

Regardless of the cucumber variety being cultivated on aeroponic towers, most cucurbits require a trellis or grow cage to support the growth of vines and the weight of the fruit.

Watch our Instagram reel below for a closer look at these incredible cucumber varieties:

As the disease progresses, the leaves might become wrinkled or even curled, which is much more than just a “cosmetic issue,” as it affects the plant’s overall health. The cucumbers themselves end up being smaller, fewer in number, and often feature odd shapes with bumpy skin showing uneven coloring.

Mosaic Virus is Transmitted by Insect Vectors:

The culprits of mosaic viruses are the following insects:

#1) Aphids: The most significant and common vectors, aphids can transmit many types of mosaic viruses, such as Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) and Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV).

#2) Leafhoppers: Like aphids, leafhoppers are the enemies of your vegetable garden, whether you are growing crops on aeroponic towers or through conventional soil farming/gardening. Leafhoppers can transmit viruses like the Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, which can lead to mosaic symptoms in affected plants.

#3) Whiteflies: These insects are known to transmit viruses like the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), which can cause mosaic-like symptoms in tomatoes and other crops. Although whiteflies can transmit mosaic virus to a wide array of vegetables, their main focus is tomatoes!

#4) Thrips: Tiny in size but big in problems created through virus transmission, thrips can transmit the Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), which leads to mosaic patterns on leaves.

#5) Beetles: Some species of beetles, such as cucumber beetles, can transmit mosaic viruses like the Squash Mosaic Virus (SqMV).

#6) Mites: Although less common, some mites can also play a role in the transmission of mosaic viruses.

Each of these insects acts as a vector by feeding on infected plants and then transferring the virus to healthy plants. The type of virus and the specific insect involved can vary depending on the crop and region. Managing these insect populations is crucial in controlling the spread of mosaic viruses in crops.

Spread of Mosaic Virus:

Aside from insects, gardeners and farmers are often responsible for the spread of the disease when using tools that have been infected.

What Can I Do Against Mosaic Virus?

Although the mosaic virus is a severe threat (mainly for cucurbits such as melons, squash, etc., and mainly cucumbers), there’s a lot that can be done to circumvent this problem:

#A) Select mosaic virus-resistant crop varieties.
#B) Control insect vectors with organic insecticides/pesticides. Never use artificial toxic chemicals.
#C) Practice increased farm/garden hygiene.
#D) Remove affected plants/leaves quickly.
#E) Manage weeds around the farm/garden, as they can harbor mosaic viruses and the insects that spread them.
In other words, whether you run a commercial farming operation or just grow food in your garden, keep the food-growing area and surroundings weed-free.

Day-neutral strawberry varieties produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, unaffected by daylight length. They offer smaller, frequent ongoing harvests, suitable for cooler climates.

In Japan, where they grow mainly day-neutral strawberry varieties, the peak harvest season is between November and March, when the climate is at its coldest, often in freezing and snowing conditions. However, all strawberry greenhouses in Japan are equipped with a heater system (usually gas-powered) maintaining the temperature above 10°C at all times.

Here’s the list with both the average weight per fruit and the average crop yield per plant for each variety of day-neutral strawberries:

Comprehensive List of Day-Neutral Strawberry Varieties

1. Albion

• Average Fruit Weight: 30-35g
• Yield per Plant: 400-700g
• Description: Known for its excellent flavor and large, firm berries, Albion is a popular choice for extended harvest periods.

2. Seascape

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 500-800g
• Description: Seascape offers a consistent harvest with bright red, juicy berries, ideal for fresh consumption and desserts.

3. Aromas

• Average Fruit Weight: 25-30g
• Yield per Plant: 600-900g
• Description: Aromas strawberries are known for their rich flavor and high productivity, making them a favorite for commercial growers.

4. Evie 2

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 500-800g
• Description: A high-yielding variety, Evie 2 produces sweet, medium-sized berries that are excellent for continuous harvests.

5. San Andreas

• Average Fruit Weight: 30-35g
• Yield per Plant: 500-750g
• Description: San Andreas is a newer variety with large, firm berries, praised for its disease resistance and consistent production.

6. Portola

• Average Fruit Weight: 25-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-800g
• Description: Portola offers high yields and large, firm fruit, making it a reliable choice for both fresh markets and home gardens.

7. Tribute

• Average Fruit Weight: 15-20g
• Yield per Plant: 400-600g
• Description: Tribute is a smaller berry variety known for its excellent flavor and suitability for home gardening.

8. Tristar

• Average Fruit Weight: 15-20g
• Yield per Plant: 350-500g
• Description: Tristar is a compact variety, producing smaller berries with a sweet taste, perfect for smaller growing spaces.

9. Mara des Bois

• Average Fruit Weight: 10-15g
• Yield per Plant: 400-600g
• Description: This variety is renowned for its intense, wild-strawberry flavor, despite the smaller berry size.

10. Monterey

• Average Fruit Weight: 25-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-750g
• Description: Monterey is known for its consistent production and sweet, juicy berries that are perfect for fresh eating.

11. Charlotte

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 450-600g
• Description: Charlotte strawberries are aromatic with a firm texture, making them ideal for gourmet applications.

12. Hecker

• Average Fruit Weight: 15-20g
• Yield per Plant: 350-500g
• Description: Hecker is a reliable variety that produces small to medium berries with a rich, sweet flavor.

13. Ostara

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 300-500g
• Description: Ostara is a vigorous plant that produces medium-sized, flavorful berries ideal for continuous harvest.

14. Evie

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 500-700g
• Description: Evie is known for its high productivity and sweet, medium-sized berries that are great for fresh use.

15. Everest

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 450-700g
• Description: Everest strawberries are robust and produce medium to large berries with good flavor and shelf life.

16. Elan

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 500-800g
• Description: Elan is a high-yielding variety with sweet, medium-sized berries, suitable for both fresh use and processing.

Japanese Day-Neutral Strawberry Varieties

1. Tochiotome

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-700g
• Description: Tochiotome is highly prized in Japan for its balanced sweetness and acidity, producing large, attractive berries.

2. Suzuakane

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 450-600g
• Description: This variety is known for its deep red color and sweet flavor, making it a popular choice for desserts.

3. Akihime

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-750g
• Description: Akihime strawberries are large, sweet, and juicy, favored in Japan for their excellent taste and aroma.

4. Sachinoka

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 400-600g
• Description: Sachinoka is a productive variety with medium-sized berries, known for their firm texture and sweet taste.

5. Yotsuboshi

• Average Fruit Weight: 15-20g
• Yield per Plant: 400-600g
• Description: Yotsuboshi produces smaller berries with a strong flavor, ideal for gourmet dishes and fresh consumption.

6. Kaorino

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-700g
• Description: Kaorino is celebrated for its fragrant aroma and sweet, large berries, making it a premium variety in Japan.

7. Amarin

• Average Fruit Weight: 25-35g
• Yield per Plant: 500-750g
• Description: Amarin produces large, firm berries with a balanced sweetness, ideal for both fresh markets and processing.

8. Nyoho

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 450-600g
• Description: Nyoho strawberries are medium-sized with a bright red color and sweet taste, popular for fresh consumption.

9. Benihoppe

• Average Fruit Weight: 25-30g
• Yield per Plant: 500-700g
• Description: Benihoppe is one of the most sought-after varieties in Japan, known for its large, sweet berries and excellent shelf life.

10. Mieko

• Average Fruit Weight: 20-25g
• Yield per Plant: 400-600g
• Description: Mieko strawberries are medium-sized with a well-balanced flavor, making them suitable for fresh and processed uses.

We advise you to read the following articles published in our blog relating to strawberry farming indoors:

Indoor Strawberry Vertical Farms
Hydroponic Strawberry Farming Indoors
Hydroponic Strawberry Cultivation System
Growing Everbearing Strawberry on Hydroponic Towers
Growing June-Bearing Strawberries Hydroponically
Electrical Output Calculation for a 200 m² Strawberry Indoor Tower Farm

Unlike June-bearing varieties which only give one big harvest yearly, day-neutral strawberries yield several smaller harvests spread out throughout the season.

They are particularly well-suited for being grown indoors in a CEA environment whether referring to strawberry farming indoors with LED lights or inside a fully climate-controlled greenhouse.

Here’s a list of day-neutral strawberry with both the average weight per fruit and the average crop yield per plant for each variety of day-neutral strawberries:

List of Everbearing Strawberry Varieties:

1. Ozark Beauty

• Fruit Weight: Approximately 10-12 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.5 to 2 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Highly disease-resistant and produces large, flavorful berries.

2. Fort Laramie

• Fruit Weight: About 10 grams per berry.
• Yield: Around 1.5 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Good for colder climates; can be overwintered successfully.

3. Quinault

• Fruit Weight: 8-10 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.2 to 1.5 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Bears fruit continuously from spring to fall.

4. Everest

• Fruit Weight: 12-15 grams per berry.
• Yield: Approximately 1.7 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Known for its large, sweet berries and high yield.

5. Eversweet

• Fruit Weight: 7-9 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1 to 1.2 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Thrives in hot climates and produces berries with high sugar content.

6. Seascape

• Fruit Weight: 10-12 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.5 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Tolerates hot weather better than other varieties.

7. Albion

• Fruit Weight: 12-15 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.5 to 1.8 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Produces large, firm berries with excellent flavor.

8. Selva

• Fruit Weight: 11-13 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.3 to 1.5 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Resistant to several common diseases and performs well in a variety of climates.

9. Aromas

• Fruit Weight: 10-12 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.4 pounds per plant.
• Notes: Known for its excellent flavor and consistent production throughout the season.

10. San Andreas

• Fruit Weight: 12-14 grams per berry.
• Yield: 1.6 to 1.8 pounds per plant.
• Notes: High-yielding with firm, flavorful berries.

We advise you to read the following articles published in our blog relating to strawberry farming indoors:

Indoor Strawberry Vertical Farms
Hydroponic Strawberry Farming Indoors
Hydroponic Strawberry Cultivation System
Growing Day-Neutral Strawberries Hydroponically
Growing June-Bearing Strawberries Hydroponically
Electrical Output Calculation for a 200 m² Strawberry Indoor Tower Farm

June-bearing strawberries are a popular choice for anyone looking to harvest a lot of fruit all at once. These varieties produce a single, large crop in late spring to early summer, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy a big, abundant harvest in one go. The berries themselves are typically large, sweet, and packed with flavor, which is why they’re a favorite for fresh eating, making jams, or freezing.

If you’re someone who prefers to get your strawberry harvest done in one focused effort rather than picking small amounts throughout the season, June-bearing strawberries are the way to go. They’re especially great for gardeners and farmers who like to plan around a specific harvest time, whether it’s for personal use, selling at markets, or hosting pick-your-own events.

In short, if you want a big, delicious crop of strawberries that you can pick all at once, June-bearing varieties are an excellent choice. They give you high yields, large, sweet berries, and the satisfaction of a plentiful harvest in a single, concentrated effort.

Here’s the list with both the average weight per fruit and the average crop yield per plant for each variety of June-bearing strawberries:

Early-Season Varieties

1. Annapolis Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

2. Earliglow Strawberries

• Average weight: 8-12 grams
• Average yield: 0.4-0.6 pounds per plant

3. Honeoye Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

4. Sable Strawberries

• Average weight: 8-12 grams
• Average yield: 0.4-0.6 pounds per plant

5. Cavendish Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

6. AC Wendy Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.8 pounds per plant

7. Seneca Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

8. Brunswick Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

9. Bounty Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-0.9 pounds per plant

10. Clancy Strawberries

• Average weight: 8-12 grams
• Average yield: 0.4-0.6 pounds per plant

11. Raritan Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

12. Polka Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

13. Vibrant Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

14. Mira Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

Mid-Season Varieties

15. Allstar Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

16. Jewel Strawberries

• Average weight: 15-20 grams
• Average yield: 0.8-1.2 pounds per plant

17. Kent Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

18. Guardian Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

19. Delmarvel Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-16 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.8 pounds per plant

20. Redchief Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

21. Darselect Strawberries

• Average weight: 15-20 grams
• Average yield: 0.8-1.0 pounds per plant

22. Lateglow Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

23. Surecrop Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

24. AC Valley Sunset Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

25. Sparkle Strawberries

• Average weight: 8-12 grams
• Average yield: 0.4-0.6 pounds per plant

26. Lester Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

27. Glooscap Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

28. Northeaster Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

29. Benton Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

30. Cardinal Strawberries

• Average weight: 15-20 grams
• Average yield: 0.8-1.2 pounds per plant

31. Camarosa Strawberries

• Average weight: 15-20 grams
• Average yield: 0.8-1.2 pounds per plant

32. Elsanta Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

33. Festival Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

34. Florence Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

Late-Season Varieties

35. Cabot Strawberries

• Average weight: 15-25 grams
• Average yield: 0.8-1.2 pounds per plant

36. Seascape Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

37. Evie 2 Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

38. Benton Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

39. Puget Reliance Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

40. St. Pierre Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

41. Marmolada Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

42. Tioga Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

43. Ventana Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

44. Shuksan Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

45. Totem Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

46. Symphony Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

47. Valley Red Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

Other Varieties

48. Blomidon Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

49. Cavendish Strawberries

• Average weight: 12-18 grams
• Average yield: 0.7-1.0 pounds per plant

50. Daybreak Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

51. Mesabi Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

52. Noreaster Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-15 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

53. Galletta Strawberries

• Average weight: 10-14 grams
• Average yield: 0.5-0.7 pounds per plant

We advise you to read the following articles published in our blog relating to strawberry farming indoors:

Indoor Strawberry Vertical Farms
Hydroponic Strawberry Farming Indoors
Hydroponic Strawberry Cultivation System
Growing Day-Neutral Strawberries Hydroponically
Growing Everbearing Strawberry on Hydroponic Towers
Electrical Output Calculation for a 200 m² Strawberry Indoor Tower Farm

They are essential in the soil for plants to properly intake nutrients and water. Microbiomes are also crucial for healthy gut flora in our bodies.

However, there is a widespread misconception that we get microbiomes in our bodies from the soil. This is not the case, so let’s debunk such a prevalent misunderstanding:

The soil is packed with microorganisms, known as microbiomes. This complex family of bacteria, fungi, and viruses breaks down organic matter and turns it into inorganic matter. In other words, soil microbes are responsible for decomposing dead plants and animals, turning them into minerals and trace elements.

Microbiomes are essential in the decaying process of organic matter, converting it into plant food by releasing critical nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil.

Some of these microorganisms form symbiotic relationships with plants. This is the case with mycorrhizal fungi, which facilitate the absorption of nutrients at the root level.

As part of the microbiomes found in the soil, specific microbes protect plants from harmful organisms, preventing diseases.

There are also nitrogen-fixing bacteria whose job is to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a mineral form regarded as one of the main macronutrients for plants.

In other words, dead plants and animals are converted into inorganic matter, a process commonly referred to as mineralization.

Even the purest and most natural macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, or sulfur, or micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, nickel, or even sodium and silicon, all these essential plant foods are minerals and therefore considered to be inorganic.

Think about it this way, even the most unrefined and pristine sea salt cannot be organic since sea salt is a mineral and therefore classified chemically as inorganic.

Contrary to general misperception, plants do not eat “live food” but instead feed themselves strictly by absorbing inorganic matter, whether macronutrients or essential micronutrients.

Most people believe that the word “inorganic” refers to a substance that is not natural, something man-made, like artificial synthetic chemicals. This is not the case. The big difference between organic and inorganic compounds is that inorganic compounds do not contain carbon-hydrogen. On the other hand, organic compounds do contain carbon atoms generally bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, amongst other carbon atoms.

Nutrients absorbed by plants grown in the soil are exactly the same as those featured in the ionic mineral formula that we use in our Tower Farms.

As long as plants have access to all macro and micronutrients, they do not make the distinction as per the origin of where such minerals come from. At the end of the day, whether growing food through conventional farming in the soil, using aeroponic towers, or any other food-growing system, what counts is providing plants with the purest form of nutrients for a healthy growth cycle.

Soil microbiomes are crucial for converting organic matter into plant food, explaining why they are unnecessary for aeroponic or hydroponic farming when using a complete mineral solution featuring all macro and micronutrients.

The gut microbiomes are mainly located in the large intestine and are crucial for our health. These gut microbes help to break down complex carbohydrates, fibers, and other nutrients that our digestive and metabolic enzymes cannot handle alone.

The gut microbiomes also play a significant role in our immune system as they contribute to creating immune cells and producing antibodies.

Such microbiomes greatly influence several metabolic processes, including the synthesis of various vitamins and regulating fat storage. Having a diverse range of microbiomes in the gut allows us to fight harmful or dangerous microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases such as IBD and IBS.

We do not get microbiomes in our gut from the soil. We get gut microbiomes from eating fiber (fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, etc.). These fibers act as prebiotics, feeding the “good bacteria” in our gut.

Soil and gut microbiomes are necessary for their respective environments but they do operate independently, serving a range of different benefits: soil microbiomes support the ecosystem through nutrient cycling, improve the structure of the soil, and help plants to intake nutrients and water, while gut microbiomes are crucial for human health by aiding digestion, regulating the immune system, influencing vital metabolic functions, and protecting us from diseases amongst a plethora of other benefits.

Based on such metrics, below are the daily electrical consumption of Tower Farms featuring 10 towers, 20 towers, 30 towers, 40 towers, 50 towers, 100 towers, 300 towers, 500 towers, and 1000 towers:

10 towers: 10×0.216 kWh = 2.16 kWh
20 towers: 20×0.216 kWh = 4.32 kWh
30 towers: 30×0.216 kWh = 6.48 kWh
40 towers: 40×0.216 kWh = 8.64 kWh
50 towers: 50×0.216 kWh = 10.8 kWh
100 towers: 100×0.216 kWh = 21.6 kWh
300 towers: 300×0.216 kWh = 64.8 kWh
500 towers: 500×0.216 kWh = 108 kWh
1000 towers: 1000×0.216 kWh = 216 kWh

The above consumption rates need to be factored in according to local electrical rates or taken into account when designing an off-the-grid electrical system.

Learn More with our E-books

For more information about our aeroponic tower technology, we advise you to get a copy of the following e-books:

1. Getting the most out of your aeroponic tower

- All the essential information and advice included in this e-book will help you have an abundant and incredible crop yield.

2. Vertical Farming with Aeroponics

- Operate a Tower Farm successfully with the comprehensive knowledge and insights included in this e-book.

It is obvious that an aeroponic tower used to grow parsley will use less water and nutrients than a tower dedicated to growing tomatoes. Our fully automated irrigation and nutrient dosing systems supply water and nutrients to each tower on an as-needed basis.

Our plants receive a meticulously calibrated blend of minerals and trace elements dissolved in water. This ionic nutrient solution includes all macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and vital micronutrients such as copper, molybdenum, and boron.

At the heart of our farming system lies the Dosatron, a crucial component responsible for precisely dosing the nutrients with water, ensuring the perfect nutrient-to-water ratio.

Here’s how it operates: As water flows into our farm, it passes through the Dosatron, where we set the ratio to 1:300, meaning that for every 300 liters of water used in our farm, one liter of Nutrients A and B is seamlessly mixed in. The Dosatron operates without electricity since it is powered by water pressure in conjunction with an ingenious piston technology.

During the hottest summer months, we change the nutrient-to-water ratio to 1:400 (1 liter of nutrient solution mixed in 400 liters of water). In fact, when the ambient temperature rises, plants need to drink more water but don’t need to absorb more nutrients. This is why we increase the ratio to provide more water for the same amount of nutrients. Changing the nutrient-to-water ratio on the Dosatron units is straightforward and takes 1 to 2 minutes.

This nutrient-dosing system is perfectly designed to serve up to 150 towers effortlessly. For larger projects, we recommend utilizing multiple Dosatron units/stations to ensure redundancy and, therefore, a backup.

The Dosatron nutrient dosing technology requires very little maintenance, and it is very durable and sturdy. It is by far the most stable nutrient-dosing option available.

We have set up Tower Farms in over 50 countries on 6 continents using Dosatron technology. We have never received a complaint from any of our customers or partners regarding their nutrient-dosing system.

We do not have any vested interest in recommending Dosatron. We are not commissioned on any equipment related to the irrigation and nutrient dosing system that we resell at cost as part of our Tower Farm turnkey solutions.

We invite you to view the video below, which received over 30 million views across our social media platforms. In this reel, we show you in detail the functionality of the Dosatron nutrient dosing system used in Tower Farms:

Learn More with our E-books

For more information about our aeroponic tower technology, we advise you to get a copy of the following e-books:

1. Getting the most out of your aeroponic tower

- All the essential information and advice included in this e-book will help you have an abundant and incredible crop yield.

2. Vertical Farming with Aeroponics

- Operate a Tower Farm successfully with the comprehensive knowledge and insights included in this e-book.