[Kevin67]

I have around 500 strawberry plants and am looking to increase this to around 2000 plants - not commercial.

I notice that many strawberry producers use a type of guttering that is much deeper and wider than that used for rain water on houses.

Does anyone know where I can get some, and is there an alternative that would be cheaper?

Many thanks

[solway cropper]

Sorry, but why on earth would you want 2000 strawberry plants if it's not a commercial operation?

Most of us manage with a couple of dozen.

[Kevin67]

I grow food for people who can't. 

That, and I want to make Strawberry wine, which uses 1lb of fruit per litre. 

Any more thoughts, anyone, please?

[surbie100]

You could try deep flow guttering - not sure if that is similar to what the commercial guys use. Hope your watering/feeding system is a good 'un! 

[8doubles]

Have a google for Kayflow superdeep 170.
No idea about the ££££££££'s

[Goosegirl]

I grow food for people who can't. 

That, and I want to make Strawberry wine, which uses 1lb of fruit per litre. 

Any more thoughts, anyone, please?

What a lovely thing to do. I hope you can find some guttering that isn't too expensive, or could you get some lengths of wood and make your own? You're going to need a lot of whatever you decide on! 

[sonnycbr]

I assume you,re growing under cover Kevin. Would it not be viable to use a supported grobag system? You would then have the advantage of not having to use sterilised soil or the expense of the guttering. Good luck with whatever method you decide on.

[Kevin67]

Kayflow superdeep is not big enough sadly.

It's looking like getting some discarded wood to make some troughs. I promise to post pics here in the New Year.

Growing partly under cover - as per the commercial growers. I figure why re-invent the wheel? I don't know why they do it that way but I guess they have cut their teeth before me. I've searched for this kind of info but got nothing useful so far.

My plan is  a trough, 2" gravel, membrane, 8" quality compost (home-made recipe) and a 1" lip to allow a slight flood of water and the trough ends to have a water escape and Auto irrigation.

[yorky]

Kayflow superdeep is not big enough sadly.



Growing partly under cover - as per the commercial growers. I figure why re-invent the wheel? I don't know why they do it that way but I guess they have cut their teeth before me. I've searched for this kind of info but got nothing useful so far.

I am led to believe that the commercial growers have them under cover to keep the rain off. If the Berry s are wet when they are picked they start to rot before they hit the supermarket shelves. 

[Kevin67]

Not only that, but it is much warmer under the plastic, even though the sides are open.

I can't tell you how great it is to be able to work in all weathers, warm and dry!

Also it keeps the pollinating insects inside for longer than they might otherwise be. So it's benefits all round.

[Markw]

Have a look a four inch square electrical trunking it is plastic and you get a clip on lid with it if you need it. I use it for spring onions and starting carrots off in. I slide them out like peas.
I might have a go with the strawberry's this year, it sounds interesting good luck and I hope it goes well

[Kevin67]

A good idea, indeed, thank you.

I did a quick look and found only Asian exporters of it; I'll look later today for UK suppliers! I'm guessing it's not cheap, but then it will last a while - and I'm planning on this being a 20 year project, so it will get cheaper as time goes by (assuming the UV doesn't cause it to degrade too quickly).

[Markw]

You need to look up Mita trk100 they do lots of sizes. it might be cheaper to make your own up and bend it with a hot air gun.

[Markw]

Better still I would use Correx twin wall floor protection sheet, I use it on my cold frames and it is cheap as well
you will be able to cut this easily with a stanly knife and form your own gutter shape, it comes in 8 x 4 sheets and only about £2 a sheet plus there is a choice of colours.

[Mbmyco2]

my father in law used to grow strawberries commercially hydroponically using standard gutters tiered and 4 a breast with thin polystyrene over drilled out so roots sat in gutters and plant benefited from reflected light from sheets and water cascaded down the gutters into tank then pumped back round the system liquid feed added to tank and away you go