Strawberries are considered one of the most popular crops that can be found in almost any garden plot. Unfortunately, not every summer resident manages to achieve good strawberry yields at the end of the season. Poor aging can be triggered by multiple factors. Mistakes can be made both during planting and growing.
Soil requirements
The yield of strawberries to a certain extent depends on how fertile the soil will be. In order to get a good harvest, the soil must meet the following requirements:
- the site should be located so that it has enough light;
- the soil must be fertile and not acidic.
Specialists in the field of agronomy do not recommend planting strawberries in places where tomatoes or potatoes used to grow. Seedlings can become infected with those diseases that are susceptible to the listedculture.
In order to fertilize the soil and provide the most favorable growing conditions, it is required to apply complex fertilizers to it before planting. This should be done approximately two to three weeks before planting seedlings, as this time is enough to compact the soil.
When to plant?
To ensure the yield of strawberries, it is necessary to plant them in strictly defined terms. The most suitable time for moving the plant into the soil is the period from the end of July to the second decade of August. If you plant strawberries in the spring, then you should not count on a good harvest this season.
Each bush should be placed in a separate small hole with a clod of earth. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the place where the strawberries grow leaves is clearly at the level of the soil. Even minor deviations are not recommended here. Subject to the above recommendations, the plant will quickly take root and further increase the yield of strawberries. The most optimal distance between seedlings is an average interval of ten to fifteen centimeters.
Immediately before planting seedlings, it is recommended to disinfect them. To do this, place them in a solution of copper sulfate, and then rinse thoroughly with clean running water.
How to water?
As strawberries grow, they need careful watering. This is the main condition that can ensure a good harvest. But also to overdo itthis question is also not worth it, since in this case the berries can simply start to rot.
Water strawberries should be only at the moment when the soil begins to crumble in the hands. If the soil sticks to them, then watering needs to be postponed, since too damp earth adversely affects the plant. That is why experts recommend watering strawberries no more than once a week, and in the process of fruit ripening, the frequency of watering needs to be increased to once every five days. At the same time, about 0.7 liters of liquid should be spent on one plant.
Ways to keep moisture
In the process of how strawberries grow, soil moisture must be monitored especially carefully. In order to retain moisture and prevent the growth of weeds, experts recommend covering the bed with black film, and planting seedlings on its ridges.
The most common way is to cover seedlings with a special black spunbond, which is specially designed for growing strawberries. Its main difference from the usual film is the ability to breathe the roots of the plant. In addition, this material has the following advantages:
- it retains moisture well;
- prevents the growth of weeds;
- promotes better soil warming;
- protects berries from contamination.
Despite the huge number of advantages, this material also has disadvantages. The main thing is that during prolonged heat, it contributes to even greater drying of the plant.
Feeding
In order for the yield from a strawberry bush to reach its maximum, it is necessary to feed the plant systematically and at certain intervals. During the summer period, strawberries need to be fed four times to ensure a good harvest. Complex fertilizers are considered the most favorable.
Feeding is carried out as follows:
- The first stage is held in the spring, at the moment when the plants are growing. The most favorable fertilizer at this time is bird droppings or mullein.
- The second top dressing is carried out during the formation of flowers. Bird droppings or mullein are also introduced at this time.
- The third stage is carried out immediately before flowering begins.
- The fourth feeding is done around the middle of August.
If you do not know how to feed strawberries in the spring for a good harvest, then mullein or bird droppings are considered the most optimal and effective in any period of growth. Such a fertilizer will ensure that the plant is saturated with all the necessary components. If everything is done correctly at all stages of cultivation, then a good harvest can be achieved.
Basic rules in the fight for quantity and quality
The question of how to increase the yield of strawberries in the open field is one of the most relevant among beginnersgardeners. Proper planting and feeding is only half the battle. Strawberries planted on the site require close and regular attention. In order to increase the yield, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Protect the plant from off-season contrasts and winter frosts. This can only be done through careful attention and control of the layer of snow that has fallen on the beds.
- It is required to ensure early spring treatment of plants from pests and diseases. As soon as the snow melts, you need to remove all dry leaves from the site and pour water over the beds, the temperature of which will be within 60 degrees. You can also spray the plant with special chemicals.
- Throughout the season, weeds must be eliminated, which take light, moisture and nutrition from the plant, and also contribute to the spread of infections.
- Mustache removal should be carried out in a timely manner, since it is they that contribute to the consumption of strawberry nutrition. If you regularly remove the mustache, then you will be able to achieve maximum yield.
- After harvesting, annual pruning of the above-ground part of the plant is required.
Only diligent observance of all agrotechnical recommendations will allow not only to properly plant strawberries with seeds for seedlings, but also to ensure their further proper development, which will eventually lead to a high yield.
Features of the yield of the variety
To achieve the maximum yield of strawberries from 1 hectare, it is necessary not only to follow all the recommendations for growing, but alsogive preference to the highest yielding varieties. After all, a lot depends on the potential of the variety.
Early varieties of strawberries are able to provide about 300 grams of berries from one bush. Under the condition of growing in open ground and providing all the necessary conditions, about 700 grams can be harvested from one plant unit.
Remontant strawberry varieties are considered the most productive, as they have four to six fruiting waves per season. When growing a remontant strawberry variety, about 500 grams of berries can be harvested from one bush.
Conclusion
So, we have considered the basic rules for caring for strawberries. Every gardener wants to achieve maximum yield on his plot. Strawberries among all other crops are considered the most common. To get a large number of berries, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations of experienced gardeners and give preference only to the cultivation of high-yielding strawberry varieties. Subject to the implementation of all the above recommendations, it will be possible to harvest the maximum yield of the most delicious berries.
