Which month is suitable for sowing strawberries?

Strawberry is a very popular berry in the market. It is suitable to be planted in loose, fertile soil with strong water and fertilizer retention capacity and good water permeability and air permeability. The water requirements are different in different growth periods. The field water holding capacity should be maintained above 70% during the flowering period and above 80% during the fruit expansion period. Let’s learn below which month is suitable for sowing strawberries?

Which month is suitable for sowing strawberries?

The strawberry planting time is mainly divided into two periods: spring and autumn. Spring sowing is generally from February to April, while autumn sowing is from August to September. The climatic conditions in these two seasons are more suitable for the growth of strawberries, which is conducive to seed germination and seedling growth. However, with the promotion of greenhouse strawberry cultivation model, it can be planted all year round.

Strawberry Planting Methods

1. Bed planting method

The bed planting method is often used for open-field strawberry cultivation. The bed width is 60-70 cm and the bed length is adjusted according to the actual terrain, usually 20-30 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 seedlings can be planted per acre. A 25-30 cm passage should be left between ridges. There are three types of bed planting: flat bed, high bed and low bed, which are level with the ground, 10 cm above the ground and 10 cm below the ground respectively. This method saves labor and is convenient for covering insulation and irrigation and drainage.

2. Ridge planting method

There are two types of ridge planting: large ridge and small ridge. The width of the large ridge is 80 cm, and two rows of strawberries are planted on each ridge; the width of the small ridge is 60 cm, and one row of strawberries is planted on each ridge.

3. Strip planting method

This method is simple to operate and can be used for planting after the land is plowed and raked. The row spacing for single-row strip planting is 60-70 cm, and the plant spacing is about 20 cm. The row spacing for double-row strip planting is also 60-70 cm, with two rows planted in each strip, a minimum row spacing of 20-30 cm, and a plant spacing of about 20 cm. This method facilitates mechanized tillage, weeding and fertilization.

Strawberry planting precautions

1. Land preparation and variety selection

Choose flat, well-drained, deep, fertile sandy or loam land. Choose high-quality varieties that are strong in growth, have a high fruit-bearing rate, are shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, are resistant to powdery mildew, and have a short dormancy period.

2. Planting and covering the shed at the right time

In order to be put on the market earlier, transplanting should be carried out in early September, transplanted together with the seedlings, and watered in time. The time for covering the greenhouse is generally around mid-November.

3. Temperature and humidity control

The most suitable temperature for strawberry fruit development is 18-25℃. The temperature in the greenhouse should be maintained at 28-30℃ during the day and not lower than 5℃ at night. When the temperature exceeds 30℃ or the humidity exceeds 70%, ventilation should be carried out in time to reduce temperature and humidity.

4. Water and fertilizer management

Greenhouse strawberries have a long fruiting period, so they need to be fertilized with high-quality, well-rotted farmyard manure, top-dressed in time, and foliar fertilizer sprayed frequently. Irrigate immediately after planting.

5. Tillage, loosening and fruit thinning

Tilling and loosening the soil helps decompose organic matter, and removing diseased old leaves and weak fruits can reduce nutrient consumption, which is beneficial to strawberry growth and fruit development.

6. Integrated pest control

Agricultural control is the main method, supplemented by chemical control. Prevent diseases and pests by selecting disease-resistant varieties, cultivating virus-free and strong seedlings, planting on high ridges, covering the ground with film, rotating crops properly, cleaning the soil, and avoiding drought and high humidity.

7. Harvest at the right time

The best time to pick strawberries is between 8-10 am or 4-6 pm. Be careful when picking to avoid damaging the calyx.

To sum up, greenhouse cultivation is the current mainstream method of strawberry cultivation because it is easy to manage, low cost, high yield and good benefits, which meets the development needs of high-efficiency agriculture. I hope these strawberry planting techniques are helpful to everyone.