An apparatus for strip growing is presented. The apparatus includes a strip unit with an open channel throughout its length that is configured to hold multiple rectangular root balls with a desired spacing between root balls. The strip unit is defined by an outer bottom wall, an outer sidewall on each side of the outer bottom wall extending upwardly and terminating in an inwardly extending peripheral lip. The open channel is defined by a skirt extending downwardly from the lip and at an angle towards the outer sidewall and terminating at an inner vertical wall, and the inner vertical wall terminating at an inner bottom wall thereby forming the open channel with its bottom section larger than its top opening. A trough unit configured for automated harvesting, and to capture and guide irrigation water down the open channel is coupled to one end of the strip unit.
