Strawberry planting time and method

Strawberries are a widely cultivated and very popular fruit variety that grows in a variety of soil types and requires full sun for growth and fruit ripening. Let’s learn about the time and method of planting strawberries.

1. Strawberry Planting Time

The best time to grow greenhouse strawberries is from July to August each year, so that they can be harvested from late November to March to April of the following year.

The best time to grow open-air strawberries is from March to April each year, and the fruit ripens from June to July. If transplanting is required, it is recommended to do so in late summer or early autumn, but the sowing time should not be later than mid-August.

2. Strawberry planting method

1. Bed planting method

This is a common method for open-air strawberry cultivation . The recommended bed width is 60 to 70 cm, and the length depends on actual conditions, usually 20 to 30 meters. Two rows of strawberries are planted in each bed, with a row spacing of 20 cm and a plant spacing of 12 cm. About 10,000 plants can be planted per acre. A 25 to 30 cm passage should be left between ridges. The bed planting method is divided into flat bed, high bed and low bed, each with its own characteristics, such as saving labor, easy covering and irrigation, etc.

2. Ridge planting method

It is divided into large ridges and small ridges. The width of the large ridge is 80 cm, which can be used to plant two rows of strawberries; the width of the small ridge is 60 cm, which can be used to plant one row.

3. Strip planting method

This method facilitates mechanical operations such as tillage, weeding and fertilization. The row spacing of single-row strips is 60 to 70 cm, and the plant spacing is about 20 cm. The row spacing of the double-row strip is the same, but two rows are planted within the row, with a small row spacing of 20 to 30 cm and a plant spacing of about 20 cm.

3. Matters Needing Attention in Strawberry Planting

1. Land preparation and variety selection

Choose a flat terrain with good drainage, deep and fertile soil. The varieties should be selected as high-quality varieties with strong growth, high fruiting rate, cold and shade tolerance, resistance to powdery mildew, and short dormancy period.

2. Planting timing and greenhouse management

In order to get it on the market earlier, transplanting should be done in early September and watering should be done in time. The greenhouse is usually covered in mid-November.

3. Temperature and humidity control

The optimal temperature for strawberry growth is 18 to 25℃. The temperature in the greenhouse should be maintained at 28 to 30°C during the day and not lower than 5°C at night. Timely ventilation is required in high temperature or high humidity environments.

4. Fertilization and irrigation

Since greenhouse strawberries take a long time to bear fruit, it is necessary to apply fully decomposed organic fertilizer and apply top dressing in time to keep the soil moist.

5. Soil management and fruit thinning

Till the soil regularly and remove diseased leaves and weak fruits to reduce nutrient loss and promote healthy growth of strawberries.

6. Integrated pest control

Agricultural control is the main method, supplemented by chemical control, and pests and diseases are prevented through measures such as selecting disease-resistant varieties, raising seedlings, high ridge planting, and covering the ground with film.

7. Harvest time

The best time to pick strawberries is between 8 and 10 a.m. or between 4 and 6 p.m., and the fruits should be handled with care to avoid damage.

To sum up, greenhouse cultivation is an efficient way of strawberry production. It is easy to manage, has low cost, high yield and good returns, and meets the needs of modern agricultural development. I hope these planting techniques are helpful to you.