Features and use of covering material for strawberries

Thinking about strawberry bushes in their beds, gardeners are increasingly preferring to grow under the covering material. This technique allows not only to protect the culture from numerous insect attacks, but also to prevent the development of putrefactive processes. In addition, the tuberkins cease to get dirty, and the whiskers do not have the opportunity to take root and thicken the beds.

Covering material greatly simplifies the process of growing strawberry. It does not let in excess sunlight and makes it harder to germinate weeds, which means it completely eliminates such a procedure as weeding. Weed seeds simply do not fall under the film, and the existing ones cannot grow without abundant sunlight.

In addition, the presence of the web forms a certain microclimate in which the earth does not dry out, but always remains hydrated. As a result, there are infested earthworms, which additionally fertilize the earth, and also engage in loosening.

In addition, sheltered plantings form a large number of lateral roots, which, accordingly, strengthens the plants and allows them to consume more nutrients from the earth. Whiskers do not have the opportunity to take root on artificial turf, which means that their development slows down. The process of ripening berries, which do not soil in the ground and most often escape from fungal diseases, such as various types of rot, is accelerating. As a result, the crop ripens quickly and in the best possible way with neat, clean fruits.

Strawberry leaves, also non-interacting with the soil, are protected from certain diseases. In winter, the protective layer prevents the culture from freezing. In the spring months, when there is a high probability of frost returning and low night temperatures, the film again saves strawberries from freezing, helping to retain moisture and heat in the ground.

Perhaps the main disadvantage of using shelter is the emergence of an optimal environment for the active reproduction of slugs. If strawberries were grown in areas where a problem already existed with these pests, then its increase will threaten significant harms for the crop.

It should be mentioned that the maximum benefits of agrofibre. The usual black film behaves poorly under ultraviolet radiation - it wears out quickly and even breaks. In addition, it is unable to transmit moisture and air, which leads to overheating of the root system of plants.

The most commonly used modern covering material for strawberries, as agrofilm. It easily passes moisture, air and the necessary amount of sunlight, contributing to the development of beneficial microorganisms. In addition, thanks to the technology used, it can be operated for several seasons. The material from which the agrofibre is made is quite environmentally friendly, so you should not be afraid of the negative impacts in the direction of the strawberries, or in the direction of the soil itself. Under the film does not breed fungi and does not form mold. However, the main plus is that such a weed film leads to the destruction of young weeds and rooted creeping perennials.

The film is made in white, black or two colors. The last species is considered to be the most useful, since it combines the advantages of both components. The light layer prevents overheating of the soil and reflects the sun's rays, which, by the way, prevents the occurrence of burns, and the black layer stops the development of weeds.

In addition to the film, non-woven material is also used for the same purpose.It protects the bushes from temperature fluctuations, but passes air and heat. Non-woven material can be used from three to four years, which corresponds to the habitat of the culture in the same place. After this period of time, the garden strawberries will need to be transplanted to a new place, and the shelter replaced with a new one.

In general, Plantex Berrymax mulch membrane is increasingly used among professionals. Made of one hundred percent polypropylene, the material prevents the development of absolutely any weeds, does not allow the plants to settle down, allows moisture and air to pass through and retains heat. Such a membrane can serve for about five years, but if you additionally use mulch, then the period will increase to almost twenty-five years. He also will not need to roll after the end of the season. It is worth mentioning that such a material on the garden looks extremely organic.

Cover material is better to choose not depending on the popularity, but rather on the climatic conditions in which the culture develops. For example, black agrofibre is more suitable for a cool climate, as it can accumulate and retain heat in the ground. For southern areas, a light or two-color material is recommended, which protects against excessive overheating.

Experts recommend forming beds, which will then be covered, two-line. This choice will simplify the process of care for the culture. First, a groove is dug around the perimeter, which is then required to secure the fabric. The soil is worked through with a rake, and the hose that will be used for drip irrigation is required to unfold. It is important to clarify that such an irrigation system in this situation is most preferable. At the next stage, you need to cover the bed so that the rolled material joins the ground as much as possible.

The edges are fixed in the prepared grooves with any available material. These can be stones, bricks, bags filled with something heavy, or just surplus earth. The most reliable is the mount, made of pieces of wire, forming "studs".

Breeding culture under a special material It is important to adhere to the three basic rules.

• In order not to root the mustache in any way, the film around the bush should be periodically clapped and compacted.
• Preference should be given to dense materials. If an insufficiently thick film is used, particularly resistant weeds will be able to break through the fiber.
• The canvas must be firmly fixed, otherwise its movement will disrupt the harmonious development.

In order for the use of covering material to justify itself, the landing must also take place according to established technologies.

With regard to care arrangements, all of them, except for watering, are quite traditional. To feed the culture to be either spraying or fertilizing directly at the root. In the spring, one should not forget about nitrogen solutions, and then you can use traditional complex preparations containing potassium and phosphorus. Trimming occurs regularly, but mulching can not be carried out - the shelter will cope with this task.

The first thing you need to prepare the soil: dig and rid of weeds. Ideally, the beds are fed with organic fertilizers, for example, manure or humus. The next stage is characterized by the formation of beds. It should be recalled that the choice of place for strawberry plantations is extremely important. The space should be even, well lit and not suffering from drafts. Properly plant the crop on raised beds to avoid any rotting and ensure a quality crop.

When the bed disappeared under the film, you can proceed to the immediate disembarkation of the bushes. Well, if the marking has already been done with the help of a rope, thanks to which future rows were visible on the covering material and it became clear where the holes for the plants are. The optimum is the scheme in which the aisles correspond to forty centimeters, and between the bushes themselves a gap of thirty centimeters is formed. Holes in the shape of a circle and in the shape of a cross are cut on the marked points.

The irrigation system depends on which coating material is used for strawberries. Non-woven agrofibre is able to pass through a liquid, so you can irrigate directly on top of it. The film does not differ in this property, so moisture will have to be sent directly to each recess. Of course, such an action will take a lot of time, so it is better to pre-organize a drip irrigation system.

Since the coating retains moisture and slows its evaporation, it will be necessary to water less frequently than without it. As always, the need for irrigation is determined by the condition of the soil - you can simply deepen the wand into the ground and see how moist it is.

According to comments of experienced specialists, the landing of the film should be carried out only when it becomes clear that there is no need to be afraid of frost. In this case, the berry quickly adapts to new conditions and will begin to develop.

In another embodiment, strawberry whiskers are planted in September, so that the plant has enough time to get used to and take root until the cold weather. Be sure to also take into account that not all varieties of strawberry are suitable for growing under the shelter. Usually this information is indicated on the package.

The truth and myths about the covering material for strawberries, see below.