Content
Modern methods of growing strawberries provide good yields at minimal cost. One of them is the use of artificial materials to cover the breasts. Strawberry coverings are available at specialty gardening stores.
The result of arranging such beds can be seen in the photo:
Advantages and disadvantages of growing strawberries under a covering material
Planting strawberries under the covering material has the following advantages:
- the necessary microclimate is created;
- the soil under the film does not dry out;
- the coating attracts earthworms, which loosens and fertilizes the soil;
- the rhizome of plants develops more actively;
- black film does not let in the sun's rays, therefore protects strawberries from weeds;
- the whiskers of plants will not be able to harden in the ground, therefore, when processing plantings, it is enough to cut them off;
- the ripening process of berries is accelerated;
- by mulching strawberries, the fruits remain clean, since they do not come into contact with the ground;
- pests cannot get on the leaves from the ground;
- the soil under the film warms up faster and retains heat for a long time;
- strawberries tolerate spring frosts more easily;
- the winter hardiness of the planted plants increases.
The main disadvantage of this method is the need to equip the irrigation system. For large areas of planting, drip irrigation of strawberries is arranged. To do this, you need to lay a pipeline and bring water to each bush. Drip irrigation ensures a uniform flow of moisture into the soil.
Another disadvantage is that planting strawberries under a black covering material leads to excessive heating of the plants. Dark shades attract the sun's rays. Under the scorching rays of the sun, the yield of plantings may decrease.
Selection of seedlings
Any varieties are suitable for planting strawberries under the covering material. It is best to choose tall plants. There are no other restrictions on the selection of seedlings.
Seedlings are purchased from reliable producers, which avoids the spread of diseases and insects on the site. The seedlings must be strong and healthy.
If the seedlings are prepared on their own, then you need to select several mother bushes. During the season, flower stalks are cut off from them in order to get a good mustache. Strong strawberry bushes can be propagated by dividing them.
Before planting, seedlings are treated with iodine or garlic solution. Before moving the plants into the ground, they are thoroughly watered.
The choice of covering material
The following types of covering material are suitable for planting strawberries:
- Spunbel is a non-woven fabric made from polypropylene for mulching strawberries and other crops. Differs in durability and lightness, moisture permeability. The spanbel has a lifespan of 4 years.
- Spunbond is a fabric made from molten polymer fibers. The spunbond cover is durable, strong and resistant to wear and tear. The material provides air exchange, is safe for plants, and is able to protect them from spring cold snaps and temperature extremes. Black spunbond has a density of 50 and 60 g / m22 and serves for 4 years.
- Agrospan is a non-woven material that can shelter plant roots from frost, stabilize watering and air exchange. Agrospan has a homogeneous structure and does not require replacement within 4 years.
- Lutrasil is a covering material that does not get wet and does not create a greenhouse effect in strawberries. Compared to spunbond, it is less resistant to sun exposure.
- Agrofibre is a material that allows water and air to pass through well, but creates an obstacle to sunlight.
Which material to choose depends on its cost and characteristics. Most of the materials have similar characteristics. The best option is agrofibre, which provides a secure cover for the beds. Its cost is slightly higher compared to other materials. It is not recommended to use plastic wrap, as it does not provide air and moisture exchange.
Soil preparation
Strawberries prefer light soil, black earth, loamy or sandy loam. On loamy soil, plants receive a maximum of nutrients with high air permeability.
Sandy soil retains moisture worse, as a result of which nutrients go into the deep layers of the soil. The introduction of peat, organic fertilizers and white clay will help to improve its properties. As a result, moisture will evaporate more slowly from the soil surface.
On clay soils, the root system of plants develops slowly and does not receive the necessary nutrients. Therefore, strawberries under the covering material are fertilized with ash, compost or sand.
When choosing a place for a garden, they adhere to certain recommendations:
- preference is given to places on an elevation;
- the beds should be well lit, protected from the wind;
- you can plant strawberries on the covering material in the beds where garlic, carrots, onions, legumes and cereals previously grew;
- strawberries do not need to be planted after cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes;
- the beds should not be flooded in the spring during floods or rains.
After choosing a place for planting, the soil is dug up, weeds and plant residues are removed. fertilizer (compost or humus) must be applied. Then the soil is watered and the beds are formed.
Small ditches are dug around the perimeter of the beds to strengthen the material. The soil must be leveled with a rake.
Landing order
Victoria seedlings take root well in warm weather. For planting, choose the autumn or spring period. The preferred option is to arrange the beds under the covering material in the fall.
After preparing the soil, you need to fix the covering material. The following improvised means will help solve the problem of how to plant strawberries under a black covering material:
- hairpins;
- wooden boards;
- stones;
- bricks.
The author of the video covered the beds with foil using boards:
It is also allowed to bury the edges of the film with earth. Covering material is attached around the perimeter of the garden bed. The irrigation system is pre-equipped.
After covering the beds, cross-shaped cuts are made in the film. About 30 cm are left between the bushes. Rows with strawberries are placed at a distance of 40 cm. Plants can be planted in the holes obtained.
How to plant strawberries on a covering material, the following tips will help:
- the material should tightly cover the bushes;
- too thin a film can tear when weeds appear;
- if you make holes before laying the material, then there will be difficulties with its fixing;
- it is allowed to overlap the film (the stripes overlap each other by at least 15 cm);
- in regions with arid climates, the film can be additionally covered with straw.
Further care
After planting under the covering material, strawberries do not require special care. Plants require watering and fertilization. Liquid solutions are used for feeding.
Growing strawberries under a black covering material reduces the amount of watering and completely eliminates weeding and loosening. Plants are treated twice a season for diseases and pests.
For processing, chemicals are used to destroy harmful spores and insects. Additionally, plants are treated with iodine solution (20 drops per 10 liters of water).
If the planting area is small, then watering is done manually for each bush. Plants are not recommended to be watered with cold water.
In the first year after planting, it is better to cut off the flower stalks so that the plants can take root in a new place. A month after transferring the strawberries to a permanent place, vermicompost is introduced under the bushes. Re-fertilization is carried out after two weeks.
After harvesting, it is best to prune the dried leaves. Many gardeners practice full pruning of strawberries. In this case, the plants need a long period to regain their green mass.
Conclusion
Growing under cover material greatly simplifies the care of strawberries. Mulching protects plants from temperature fluctuations, ensures air exchange and moisture intake. To cover the beds, special materials are used that have the necessary qualities. The material protects the planting from frost, retains heat and accelerates the ripening of berries. This coating requires replacement every 4 years.
