Winter Strawberry Planting Methods and Techniques

Strawberry is one of the most popular fruits in winter. The temperature is low and the light is insufficient in winter. If farmers want to ensure that the growth rate and yield of strawberries are not affected, they must master the planting methods and techniques. Below, the editor will introduce the planting methods and techniques of winter strawberries. Let’s take a look.

1. Variety selection

When planting strawberries in winter, you need to choose specially bred varieties that can withstand low temperatures and weak light, have good yields, and have superior quality. Such as Faraday, Fengxiang, Mingbao, etc., these varieties can maintain good growth and yield in winter.

2. Greenhouse cultivation

Winter strawberries are generally grown in greenhouses to provide stable temperature and light conditions. The temperature in the greenhouse should be kept within a suitable range, generally 15-20 degrees Celsius.

3. Soil selection

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil. The soil requirements are a humus content of 2%-3% and a pH value of 56. They cannot grow when the pH value exceeds 7.5 and cannot survive when the pH value exceeds 8.5. Therefore, the soil should be improved and fertilized before planting to increase soil fertility and acidity.

4. Temperature management

The temperature for strawberry root growth is between 5-30 degrees, but the temperature is lower in winter, so when planting strawberries in a greenhouse , it is necessary to maintain a suitable temperature. Usually, the temperature can be increased by sealing the greenhouse, covering it with straw, etc. At the same time, ventilation should be carried out regularly to maintain air circulation and oxygen supply.

5. Lighting management

Strawberries have high requirements for light, and the daily light time should not be less than 8 hours. In winter, due to the short light duration, it is necessary to increase the light duration by covering the shed and providing additional light. Incandescent lamps or LED lamps can be used for supplementary lighting to increase the photosynthesis and yield of strawberries.

6. Fertilizer and water management

Apply fertilizer 1-2 times from transplanting to the end of October. Apply humus fertilizer 1-2 times in combination with watering during the peak fruit growth period to improve the plant's resistance to stress. During the fruit expansion period and after picking, the water demand is relatively high. If the soil is short of water, water should be applied in time, but do not flood the soil with large amounts of water.

7. Keep warm and protect against cold

Although strawberries are highly adaptable to temperature, they will suffer frost damage if the temperature drops below -7℃. Therefore, anti-freeze measures should be taken, such as adding greenhouse covering layers.

8. Pest and disease control

In winter, strawberries are susceptible to some diseases and pests, such as gray mold and aphids. Regular inspections should be carried out to promptly detect and take appropriate preventive measures, such as spraying pesticides .

The above is an introduction to the planting methods and techniques of winter strawberries. Although strawberries can be planted in winter, a series of measures need to be taken to ensure the normal growth and yield of strawberries. Through scientific and reasonable planting and management measures, we can obtain sweet and large strawberries.