The family behind Blenheim’s Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries have just started their fourth harvest of delicious, fresh strawberries and are looking forward to another summer of learning and improving their small scale, high quality production techniques.

“When we first began, we were completely new to the hydroponic industry,” says Hannah Morgan, who oversees plant husbandry in the 5000 m² of glasshouses. Hannah’s father-in-law Geoff Morgan grew up on a farm in the Hunderlies so had the most farming experience. “Other than being keen, green-fingered people with science, design and business experience, we were very much going in blind in terms of strawberries but with a ‘can do, won’t fail’ attitude.”

The Hedgerows’ team includes Hannah’s husband Clayton who oversees the nutrient film technique hydroponic systems and farm operations such as monitoring systems and health and safety, and Clayton’s mother Annette who co-owns the business with Geoff and oversees the packhouse. They all share coordination of staff and daily picking and packing schedules during the September to January harvest season.

Hannah says the first year delivered a steep learning curve. “Definitely a test of character for all of us. The second year we had a plan and some experience to build on. The third year was putting everything into a more consolidated plan with educated experience under our belts. This year, it has felt like we are finally able to plan ahead and feel confident in our gathered knowledge and experience to really make the farm thrive.” 

The previous owner helped with an initial handover then the family worked and studied to get up to speed as quickly as possible. “We consulted with hydroponic companies New Zealand-wide to gain a broad contact and knowledge base. When we began, we were the only nutrient film technique hydroponic strawberry growers in New Zealand at the time; experts were also limited in their knowledge,  but we all learned together. Having our local Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative Nick Kininmonth was very useful as he could guide us with potential solutions for an unhealthy plant, diseases and pests.”

Hedgerows focus on plant health and aim to use natural and/or organic crop protection products where possible. This hydroponic technique requires a sterile environment so fully organic processes are not possible. “Strawberries are interestingly sensitive and robust at the same time, so we try to stay one step ahead with a well-thought out integrated pest management plan. The available agrichemicals, when used correctly and pre-flowering, do an incredible job at protecting our plants and eliminating diseases and pests they have been exposed to during their time in the paddock  before we get them. We use predators from Bioforce which we love. We choose to remove any heavily infected plants from our growing systems instead of spraying.” 

With plant health in mind, they utilise biostimulants from Valagro. “They truly help with root system health and therefore nutrient uptake, creating healthy plants faster. Our transplanting in mid-May is very stressful on plants and we found Kendal Nem reduced the stress. Pre-flowering we add Viva and, during the hotter months, Megafol helps reduce the stress of the plants.”

After two years of research, Hedgerows introduced a compostable punnet this season. Combined with an anti-fog film, the new packaging reduces plastic use by 95% and extends the berries’ shelf life. “Now that we have a solution, we are keen to share our findings and knowledge with anyone who wishes to find out more.” 

Hedgerows Strawberries are sold to restaurants, the local farmers market and from the on-farm store. “Our goal is to grow high quality fruit that is great enough for top restaurants but affordable enough for families and lunchboxes.”

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