How to grow strawberries in a polycarbonate greenhouse?

Strawberries are not only one of the most delicious and healthy berries, but also one of the most capricious and whimsical plants. It is she who should be replanted from year to year, changing the place in order to achieve a more effective harvest. There are certain rules for the choice of planting, since this type of berry will not grow everywhere. Many gardeners have found a way to grow large and tasty strawberries using a polycarbonate greenhouse.

In detail about when it is better to replant: in spring or autumn, we have already written earlier.

Strawberries in a polycarbonate greenhouse

To begin with, it should be noted that polycarbonate greenhouses are used in various regions of Russia and have only positive reviews from gardeners.

The facilities are suitable not only for planting berries, but also vegetables, fruits and herbs. Various crops are grown in them all year round. Polycarbonate is a polymer material with improved technical and operational properties, almost in no way inferior to glass... It serves for a long time and is characterized by increased wear resistance. Structures for agrofiber are made of metal or wooden beams.

Greenhouse - protection of strawberries from any negative external influences. The design itself is distinguished by increased strength and reliability, so over time it does not deform or fall apart. For all the plants planted in the greenhouse, you can rest assured.

A polycarbonate greenhouse will protect strawberries from negative effects.

Dignity

Polycarbonate conducts sunlight well.

The main advantages of planting polycarbonate strawberries:

• you can plant and care for plants all year round, regardless of external weather conditions and atmospheric precipitation;
• the material has good light transmission, so plants will receive enough sunlight for normal growth and photosynthesis;
• good thermal insulation, allowing you to grow crops all year round, even in late autumn and winter;
• plants will be safe and sound, protected from wind and other negative weather conditions;
• protection against weeds and harmful insects.

If you decide to plant strawberries in a greenhouse, it is best to set aside the structure for that one crop only. Berry is not the best neighbor for other crops.

Basic landing rules

In a greenhouse, a berry can be planted using the following technologies:

• classic - in the ground;
• planting in raised beds up to 25-30 cm high;
• planting in bags with a nutrient substrate, which are then hung or laid out on racks;
• planting in pots with a diameter of 20 cm in several tiers.

In the greenhouse, you can plant strawberries in pots.

Each landing technology has its own characteristics and advantages.... If you adhere to certain rules and sequence, then you can achieve a bountiful harvest in all variants. If we are not talking about the classical method, then it is better to choose a more spacious greenhouse with an optimal height. The low structure is intended only for planting crops in the ground.

Strawberry variety

For a greenhouse, it is better to choose more resistant varieties, which, firstly, are immune to diseases, and secondly, are not tied to the length of daylight hours.

In this case, the following varieties are chosen:

• Alba;
• Honey;
• Crown;
• Sonata;
• Darselent;
• Queen Elizabeth and others.

For a greenhouse, the Alba strawberry variety is suitable.

Strawberries can be either early or remont.

The soil

If you have chosen the classic method of planting in the ground, then first you need to prepare the soil.

• Her better feed with organic matter, such as manure, humus or peat.
• Additionally, vermiculite and sand are added.
• For planting berries, it is better to choose a drained soil with an acidity of pH 6.5.

Landing

• Early varieties are best planted with an average distance from each other. 15 cm, the rest - 20 cm.
• Distance between beds - 30 cm.
• Digging holes deep 25-30 cm, diameter - on average 25 cm.
• The root of the plant is carefully sprinkled with earth, then watered with abundant water.
• Mulching

In order for strawberries to bear fruit well in the future and be protected from weeds and pathogenic insects, it is better to carry out high-quality mulching... In this case, use straw, needles, sawdust. They are evenly laid on the ground under each plant. Agrofibre is also used as mulching, one of which is black spunbond. It allows the plant to breathe, provides a good greenhouse effect, and protects against pests and weeds.

Mulching is used for good fruiting.

Light and warm

The berry loves a sufficient amount of light and heat, so it is better to choose transparent polycarbonate for the greenhouse and with increased thermal insulation properties.Cellular polycarbonate - one of the best options.

Transparent polycarbonate conducts heat better for plants.

The berry should be lit for at least 8 hours a day. The temperature regime should be at least 6 degrees Celsius. Gradually, it should rise to 17 degrees before flowering. During the fruiting period, the optimum temperature is considered to be 20-25 degrees Celsius.

After the end of fruiting, the temperature is lowered again to provide a normal environment for subsequent flowering.

Watering

The berry should be watered regularly, but not excessively.

Watering the strawberries should be regular.

• If you overdo it with watering, then the plant can rot and die.
• Abundant watering can only be carried out in summer, when the greenhouse is very hot in the heat.
• Watering strawberries 2-3 times a week is enough depending on the season.
• The ideal time to water is early morning... If possible, it is advisable to use drip irrigation.

Prevention against parasites and diseases

Gray rot appears due to high humidity.

As a rule, in greenhouses, plants suffer less from various diseases and insects. There are exceptions, though.

Gray rot - one of the ailments of strawberries, which develops rapidly in conditions of high humidity. To avoid this disease, the greenhouse should be periodically ventilated and the humidity should be monitored.The optimum humidity regime is 60–80%. If the infection still affects the plant, then you need to remove the affected berries and leaves.

So that the plant does not have aphids, slugs, snails and other pests, each berry bush must be carefully checked once a week. In spring and summer, strawberries are sprayed with special antifungal and other solutions, if necessary.

If you wish, you can also use black spunbond, an anti-weed cover material with a special enzyme that prevents the formation of mold and the appearance of pathogenic insects.

Pollination

Even flies are suitable for pollination, but you need to think about getting them into the greenhouse!

Peduncles, as a rule, are removed with a brush before the strings appear. It is carried out at the time of flowering of the plant.

If you follow these simple rules, you will get a rich strawberry harvest every year. The main thing is not to forget to take care of the plant, to cut the antennae in time.

You need to trim the antennae of the strawberries in time.

Remember to replant strawberries periodically to create an optimal growth environment. In order to avoid a bad harvest, diseases of the berries, the plant must be fed. It is enough to feed it with the necessary microelements 3 times a year - before flowering, before fruiting and after picking berries.
Remember to replant strawberries periodically to create an optimal growth environment. In order to avoid a bad harvest, diseases of the berries, the plant must be fed. It is enough to feed it with the necessary microelements 3 times a year - before flowering, before fruiting and after picking berries.

conclusions

One of the main advantages of planting strawberries in a polycarbonate greenhouse is the year-round harvest. Depending on the region, a crop grown in a polycarbonate building can bear fruit more than once a year. If you decide to grow a berry in a greenhouse, then this is a great opportunity to try not only planting in open or closed ground, but also new species.

A strawberry planted in a greenhouse will produce crops all year round.

Video about strawberries in a greenhouse

Modern greenhouse systems allow strawberries to be grown year-round. This berry is in demand in the market, which is why many gardeners and farmers choose it as their main product for income. The consumer is ready to buy strawberries in the form of a fresh product or ready-to-produce desserts. The second option is acceptable for catering establishments.

Strawberries in the greenhouse

Where can strawberries be grown?

Strawberries are an unpretentious plant, but still require proper care. This berry can be grown in any room in which the necessary conditions can be created - to maintain the air temperature from + 10 ° C to + 25 ° C (different temperatures are needed at different periods of plant growth) and air humidity within 70-80%.

Diagram of the structure of the strawberry bush

Traditionally, strawberries are grown in greenhouses. Thanks to the greenhouse effect, it is easy to provide the most favorable conditions for plant growth and fruit ripening in these rooms. The Dutch technology for growing strawberries in greenhouses has gained great popularity, which involves planting seedlings in plastic bags (and not only).

Many people try to get the harvest of this berry at home, but the optimal solution for a business is still a greenhouse. Successful strawberry cultivation technologies are enough to choose the most suitable one for yourself. The least troublesome method is to use hydroponics. But it is also the most costly, as it requires a much more solid start-up capital than when using plastic bags with soil.

Crop production provides an opportunity for year-round profits. The fact is that the natural sleep period of plants (in winter) can be interrupted by the creation of favorable conditions for their growth and fruiting.It is on this feature of the plant world that all the technologies for year-round cultivation of strawberries in greenhouses are built.

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse all year round

Important! A greenhouse of any size and shape is suitable for harvesting. The type of covering material does not really matter, since all the necessary conditions can be provided with the help of additional lighting and heating.

Growing strawberries as a business

If cultivation of strawberries is chosen as the main direction of a highly profitable business, first of all, it is necessary to resolve the following issues:

• about the method of sales;
• about the possible sales volume for this region;
• on the transportation of the crop;
• storage and storage of crops;
• on the purchase of equipment and materials for arranging the greenhouse.

The minimum area required to start a business is just a few square meters. But it should be understood that in this case, one should not expect high profits. Such a volume of products obtained is more suitable for home use. Any non-residential but heated room, garage or warehouse is suitable for growing berries.

At the preparatory stage, you need to decide on the varieties of the plant.

Some greenhouse strawberries

The following varieties are optimal for the greenhouse business:

• "Sonata";
• "Pineapple";
• "Florin";
• "Will";
• "Kama";
• Elsanta;
• "Producer";
• "Marmolada";
• Truffau.

All these varieties are capable of bearing fruit several times a year.

Strawberry "Sonata"

Florin strawberry

Strawberry "Elsanta"

For greenhouse cultivation, there are three possible planting methods:

• indoors;
• in ceramic or plastic containers;
• in plastic bags.

If a hydroponic option is being considered, special equipment will be needed.

How to grow strawberry seedlings

Strawberry seedlings can be obtained from seeds or from the whiskers of an adult plant. For growing from seeds, containers with a height of at least 7 cm and soil will be required. You can mix garden soil with sand in a 1/3 ratio (one part sand and 3 parts soil).

In the photo, strawberry seeds

The seeds are planted in the soil

When growing strawberry seedlings, do not expect quick shoots. They will appear 20-21 days after disembarkation. The fact is that all small-seeded plants develop for a long time. This is due to the small size of the seed, which cannot contain many nutrients. Therefore, you have to be patient.

When the strawberry rises and a second leaf is formed, you need to fertilize with any organic fertilizer. When the seedlings grow up to 8-10 mm, they begin to dive.

Strawberry seedlings

This will require small plastic cups or any other container of suitable volume. The best choice is plastic glasses with a volume of 0.5 liters. In this case, frequent watering is not required. If you grow seedlings in smaller containers, there will be more trouble in caring for the seedlings.

Seedling picking

The picking procedure consists of several stages, we will consider the features of each of them in more detail.

The main stages of picking strawberry seedlings

Table. The process of diving seedlings - instruction.

Step 1	Water the soil with water at room temperature.
Step 2	With the handle of any cutlery (spoon or fork), carefully separate and remove the plant.
Step 3	A small depression is made in a glass with soil (1.5-2 cm is enough).
Step 4	Plant the plant in a glass / pot.
Step 5	A low bed of soil is formed around the base of the stem (instilled).
Step 6	Carefully water the planted plants with water.

Growing strawberry seedlings from a mustache

To grow seedlings from a mustache, proceed as follows.

Step 1. Find a powerful formed whisker of an adult plant.

Sockets and mustaches

Step 2. At a distance of 20-25 cm from the mother plant, a hole is dug 5-7 cm deep.

Step 3. Plunge a mustache socket into it.

Step 4. Take a paper clip and slightly unbend it.

Step 5. Press the outlet to the ground with a paper clip (pinned).

Step 6. They fill the hole with soil and slightly compact it.

Stages of the formation of strawberry planting material using antennae

Step 7. Cut off the excess part of the mustache that is not associated with the mother plant.

Step 8. Water the outlet.

The technology of horizontal cultivation of strawberries in plastic bags

The least costly technology for growing strawberries involves the use of translucent polyethylene bags (made of white polyethylene). The standard thickness of such bags is 0.2 mm. Dimensions - 16x20 cm. You can buy bags at any hardware store.

Growing strawberries in bags horizontally

You will also need the following components to prepare the substrate:

• peat (2 parts);
• perlite (1 part);
• sawdust (1.5 parts).

This technology of growing strawberries allows you to start a business with the smallest amount of capital - from 3 to 5 thousand rubles. This will be enough to plant seedlings on an area of ​​10 m2. From 1 m2, you can get from 15 to 20 kg of berries. When experience in growing strawberries appears, the volume of the crop will increase. Professionals receive up to 50 kg / m2. The business can be considered economically viable with a yield of 150 kg from 10 m2.

Bedding bags - an alternative to tall beds

Important! Most of the materials you need to start a business can be free. For example, you will need a dropper to organize watering. These used tubes are in abundance in any medical hospital.

Sequencing

Step 1. Preparation of the substrate: mix sawdust, perlite and peat in a ratio of 1.5: 1: 2.

The main properties of perlite are soil loosening and improvement of its structure.

Step 2. Fill plastic bags with the substrate by ¾ of their volume.

Step 3. The top of the bag is sealed with an iron or soldering iron.

Step 4. With any sharp object, cut 2-3 longitudinal holes 7-9 cm long in each bag.

Step 5. Packages with the substrate are laid in even rows on the flooring or the floor so that between the "beds" there is no less than 25 and no more than 30 cm.

Step 6. Each bag is supplied with 3 dropper tubes. One tube is immersed on the bottom layer of the substrate, the second on the middle, and the third on the top. Water consumption - 0.5 l / day for 1 package.

Dripper supply scheme

An approximate diagram of a drip irrigation system

Step 7. Seedlings are planted in each slot in the bag.

Step 8. Provide optimal conditions throughout the growth and fruiting period of plants.

At the initial stage of strawberry growth (in the first week after planting the seedlings), it is necessary to maintain a temperature of + 10 ° C in the greenhouse. Further, the indicator is gradually raised to + 20 ° C. During the flowering period, the optimum temperature is from +20 to + 24 ° C.

An important parameter of the microclimate is humidity. It must be kept within 80%, but during the flowering period it must be reduced by 5-10%. When the fruits begin to form, another decrease in humidity by 5-10% will be required.

Growing strawberries in bags

Strawberry growing rules

1. Throughout the growth, flowering and fruiting of plants, it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation of the greenhouse.
2. Every 14-15 days, starting from the day of planting seedlings, fertilizers are applied - superphosphate and potassium salt.
3. The quality of lighting is extremely important for strawberries. This plant is warm and light-requiring. If the daylight hours lasts at least 16 hours, the berries will form already 35 days after planting the seedlings. If the period of full lighting does not exceed 8 hours, the waiting period for the harvest will be longer (up to 1.5 months). Therefore, if there are not enough sunny days, it is recommended to arrange artificial lighting for the greenhouse.
4. If the selected variety is not self-pollinating, it will be necessary to artificially pollinate with a small, soft paintbrush.

A possible option is the Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter

Strawberry Planter for growing strawberries

Video - How To Use Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter

Growing flowers in a greenhouse as a business

Many flower growers often wonder whether to turn their hobby into a profitable business. It should be noted that growing flowers in a greenhouse as a business is an interesting and profitable idea, but it has its own characteristics.

Technology for vertical cultivation of strawberries in bags

This method of growing strawberries in a greenhouse is very similar to the previous one. The same requirements are imposed on the care of plants. The same substrate is used as a soil for planting seedlings. But vertical cultivation technology has its advantages.

Varieties of vertical strawberry cultivation

Firstly, it allows the most efficient use of the inner space of the greenhouse. Secondly, using this technique, you can get a significantly larger yield. As a container for growing, you can use dense polyethylene bags with a volume of 10 liters or more or plastic pipes with a cross section of 200 and 110 mm.

Growing strawberries in PET bags

The bags are filled with substrate and hung from the top beams of the greenhouse. It is permissible to arrange the bags both in a checkerboard pattern and in even rows. It is important to observe the distance between the suspended containers - it should be at least 40 cm. Optimally - 60 cm.

Another option for a bag for growing strawberries

Strawberry bushes in a polyethylene bag

If it is decided to use PVC pipes, proceed as follows.

Step 1. In a pipe with a cross section of 100-110 mm, using a screwdriver and a crown with a diameter of 6 cm, holes are cut so that they are located on the same line and are at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other.

Holes are cut in the pipe

Step 2. A hole is cut in a pipe with a diameter of 200 mm so that only the upper part of the circle is cut. To do this, hold the crown at an angle to the pipe during cutting. By controlling the pressure on the tool, they ensure that the slot is made exactly half of the circle.

Holes in a pipe with a larger diameter are not cut completely, but so that the cut circles can be bent

Step 3. Fold back the cut parts of the circles in a large pipe, heating them with a construction hairdryer.

Step 4. A pipe with a section of 110 mm is inserted into a pipe with a section of 200 mm.

Step 5. Secure the narrower pipe with wire and wooden blocks so that it is centered.

You need to fasten with bars and steel wire as shown in the image

Step 6. Fill the space between the pipes with soil.

The space between the pipes must be covered with soil.

Step 7. The lower end of the narrow pipe is closed with a plug of the appropriate size, in which several holes are pre-drilled to allow excess water to escape.

This is what the lower part of the structure will look like.

This is a pre-drilled plug needed to cover the lower end of the smaller pipe.

Step 8. The inner space of a narrow pipe is filled with organic matter and plant material - peelings of potatoes and other products, sawdust, branches (you can put earthworms).

Step 9. Strawberry seedlings are planted in the holes of the larger pipe.

Growing strawberries in a PVC pipe in a vertical way

This method is convenient because it does not require regular maintenance. Watering is carried out by pouring water into a narrow pipe 1-2 times a week. The use of pipes is more convenient in that it becomes possible to use the entire available area as efficiently as possible. In addition, pipes are more durable than plastic bags and do not require frequent replacement.

Another option for vertical cultivation of strawberries in a tube

Another original option is a strawberry pyramid

Video - Vertical breast in a greenhouse. Strawberries in a tube

Video - Growing strawberries in a greenhouse

Strawberries are a fully-fledged and universally recognized berry queen. Its taste and aroma are loved by both adults and children. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to eat fresh strawberries during the cold season. You can provide yourself with it in the winter thanks to growing berries in a greenhouse.

Growing strawberries all year round - myth or reality?

Almost every owner of a summer cottage has at least a small garden with strawberries. This is usually enough to pamper yourself with fresh berries and even provide the family with jam and compote for the winter. But you want delicacies not only in summer, but also in the cold season.

The climate of the southern regions allows for several harvests per year. Things are much more complicated in the north and in the middle lane.

Of course, you can buy strawberries from the store if needed. But, firstly, in winter this berry is very expensive, and secondly, many are alarmed by the methods of growing in artificial conditions using growth stimulants and GMOs.

There is only one way out: start growing strawberries on your own. So you can provide seven berries, and even build a profitable business on this. But how real is it?

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse is possible in mid and northern latitudes

Until recently, one could say that at home this is impossible. But nowadays, when industrial technologies become available to private consumers, everyone can grow strawberries all year round. A good greenhouse, built and equipped according to the rules, will help with this. The main thing to ensure is:

• heating;
• lighting;
• irrigation.

In addition, it is necessary to select suitable strawberry varieties, prepare the soil, and in the future, do not forget about proper berry care. And if you can easily cope with these requirements on your own, then it is better to entrust the construction and equipment of the greenhouse to professionals.

Remember that growing strawberries all year round is not easy and costly. If you want to "recoup" the invested funds and efforts, you will have to work a lot.

Preparatory stage

Greenhouse

Note! The main advantage of growing strawberries in a greenhouse, compared to open ground, is the absence of seasonal restrictions.

You can build a greenhouse in your garden by defining a plot for it, the soil on which is best suited for composition. There are 3 main types of structures of this kind.

1. The most affordable option is a wooden frame with a film coating. The design is short-lived, the film will have to be replaced with a new one every season. In addition, in a harsh winter, such a coating is not considered reliable.
2. A steel profile as a supporting structure, covered with cellular polycarbonate - such a greenhouse is lightweight, but at the same time strong. The cost is higher than the first option.
3. Glass covering on a steel frame is the most durable, reliable and durable structure. Ideal for creating the necessary conditions inside.

   Installing a greenhouse from quality materials and its equipment is the first step to large yields

Organization of temperature and humidity conditions

In order for strawberries to grow normally in a greenhouse, a gentle increase in air temperature must be provided. In cool conditions, this culture significantly slows down the flowering process. In addition, the moisture level is very important.

For example, after planting seedlings, it is necessary to maintain humidity within 80%, reducing the level by 5% during the flowering period, and by another 5% during the formation of the fruit.

Strawberry is a thermophilic plant for which temperature is very important.

1. During disembarkation, the optimum temperature is + 10 ° C.
2. Gradually raise the reading to + 20 ° C as it grows.
3. When the strawberries begin to bloom, keep the temperature between +20 and + 24 ° C.

For strawberries in the greenhouse, you need to provide moisture, light and warmth.

Note! Prolonged exposure to too high a temperature will lead to the growth of a large number of leaves, which significantly shade the useful area of ​​the plant. Accordingly, flowering and fruiting may deteriorate.

Light mode

There are strawberry varieties with neutral daylight hours (allowing low light levels). But even they need light, especially during the flowering period. The duration of flowering and fruiting depends on the intensity of illumination.

For example, with an 8-hour day, flowering occurs in 14 days, and the ovary appears 1.5 months after planting. By increasing the daylight hours to 16 hours, you can achieve flowering in 10 days, and ovaries in 35–37 days.

Equipment

In order to ensure the normal level of light, humidity and temperature in the greenhouse, especially in winter, special equipment will be needed.

To maintain a normal humidity level, it is enough to spray the greenhouse with spray guns or sprinklers. At the same time, avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers of the plant.Excessive watering will also not be beneficial: strawberries may die from an excess of moisture. To avoid this, install a drip irrigation system for greenhouses.

Drip irrigation system will avoid excess moisture

More modern models will provide not only the supply of the soil with liquid, but also the regulation of the humidity level in the room.

When choosing such a system, pay attention to the area occupied by a greenhouse with strawberries.Water consumption for irrigation should be adjusted at the rate of 3 liters per day per 1 m of the length of the garden bed or container.

Such a system can be made with your own hands from improvised means.

1. Install a barrel or other container for liquid of the required volume 0.5 m above the level of the beds.
2. Attach a long hose to it, run it along the bottom of the strawberry containers (or in the recess in the middle of the garden bed), and make a plug at the end.
3. Make small holes along the entire length of the hose at a distance of 3-5 cm: water will flow into the ground through them.

For the autumn-winter period, the greenhouse must be provided with additional lighting. In addition to the fact that daylight hours are significantly reduced, and the sun is often hidden behind clouds, greenhouses used in the cold season usually have design features that create high shading. Install high pressure sodium lamps to deal with this.

In such lighting devices, the intensity of radiation is as close as possible to sunlight in the summer. Choose 400W lamps for your greenhouse.

It is very important to choose and install lighting fixtures correctly.

They need to be placed at a height of 1 m above the strawberry garden. Calculate the required number of devices based on the fact that for 3 square meters. m. there should be 1 lamp.

For example, if you have a rack or bed 10 m long and 1 m wide, then you should use 4 sodium lamps.

As for heating, the best option would be to connect the greenhouse to an internal heating system.

Suitable varieties

If you want to get a high-quality harvest, then you need to choose berry varieties according to at least two criteria.

1. Optimal climatic conditions for strawberries. In this case, you need to pay attention to the weather conditions inherent in your lane. We recommend purchasing seedlings from nurseries located in your region. This will allow you to get an already acclimatized strawberry.
2. Ripening terms.The ideal option would be organization of several beds with strawberries of different by the duration of ripening varieties. Thus, you will not only be able to harvest several crops from June to the end of September, but you will also have seedlings on hand for further cultivation in the greenhouse.

In the conditions of the middle zone and colder regions (Ural, Siberia, the Far East), self-pollinated remontant varieties are recognized as optimal for growing in greenhouses. They usually ripen early, which means that the harvest will be good even with a thickened planting. In addition, if these varieties belong to the group of neutral daylight hours, then they do not require long-term intense lighting.

Choose specially bred varieties for greenhouse cultivation

The most popular varieties suitable for growing in our latitudes:

• Pineapple;
• Arapaho;
• Brighton;
• Mount Everest;
• Darselect;
• Elizabeth II;
• Yellow miracle;
• Zenga Zengana;
• Temptation;
• Queen Elizabeth;
• Crown;
• Marmalade;
• Maria;
• Mahern;
• Moscow delicacy;
• Darkness;
• Ozark Beauty;
• Polka;
• Professional;
• Red Rich;
• Sakhalin;
• Selva;
• Sonata;
• Tribute;
• Truffau Producer;
• Tristar;
• Honey;
• Elsanta.

Modern breeding has given us many varieties that are self-pollinating, but with classic varieties, pollination will have to be done manually.

Greenhouse strawberry varieties (gallery)

Preparing the beds

The correct organization of the beds will help you make the most rational use of the usable area of ​​the greenhouse. In addition, you will provide the strawberry bushes with the necessary nutrition, lighting and irrigation. The best option is considered to be growing not on the ground, but in hanging containers.

For containers, arrange all-welded metal profile bases that can withstand heavy loads. The width of the finished frame should be about 1 meter, the length is equal to the length of the greenhouse, and along the edges there are 2 longitudinal sections for containers 20 cm wide.

The containers themselves can be made from any available materials: plastic, plywood, boards, cellular polycarbonate. Simply insert the assembled containers into the metal frame and fill with the prepared substrate.

Soil preparation

Regular garden soil is not suitable for year-round strawberry cultivation. For continuous fruiting, a highly nutritious environment must be provided. To prepare a substrate in the amount of 1 ton, you will need:

• 300 kg of chicken manure;
• 650 kg of straw (preferably from winter wheat or oats);
• 6 kg of chalk;
• 20 kg of plaster;
• 3 kg of urea.

All components are readily available, you just have to properly compost them. To do this, put in a pile in layers in this order:

1. Straw layer 25 cm thick.
2. Chicken droppings - 10 cm
3. Urea at the rate of 400 grams per 100 kg of straw.

Repeat the layers until a heap is about 1.5 m wide and up to 2 m high. Water each layer well with warm water. In a few days, the fermentation of the components will begin, which will last about a month. During this time, you need to mix the compost, that is, mix it:

• the first time - 10–12 days from the beginning of fermentation;
• the second - after 17 days;
• the third - after 25 days.

To rid the substrate of possible viruses, ticks and aphids, sterilize it. To do this, pour the compost onto a large metal tray, cover and place over low heat. Raise the substrate temperature gradually to 60 °. Keep in this state for at least 12 hours, while strictly controlling the temperature level: exceeding it will turn the substrate into "dead ground".

Seedling preparation

Strawberries are cultivated as an annual plant, so the quality of the planting material is very important. We have already said that it is most convenient to purchase strawberry seedlings of suitable varieties in the nursery. But you can use the berries that grow in your garden in the open field.

1. Select bushes for mother plantation in June, after the first strawberries ripen. Mark the bushes on which the berries ripen the fastest. After the harvest is harvested, a mustache will appear. Leave a maximum of 5 outlets on each of the marked bushes, remove the rest.

   As seedlings, you can use those berries that grow in your garden in the open field.

2. Until August, reduce the care of the planting material to regular loosening of the soil. During this time, the strawberry will develop a good root system. Transplant the bushes into a prepared nursery-garden with a fertile substrate according to the 15 X 15 cm pattern. Seedling boxes can be used in the same capacity.

   Until August, reduce the care of the planting material to loosening the soil, during which time the strawberries will form a good root system

3. At the end of autumn, before frost, transplant the seedlings into pots with nutritious soil, removing all the leaves. Move to a basement or other room where the temperature does not fall below -2 ° C. Store containers with seedlings under these conditions for up to 9 months. Transplant the seedlings into the greenhouse when needed.

Growing technology

Today, the Dutch method of growing strawberries in a greenhouse has gained great popularity. It is simple and affordable, ideal for small areas (you can use it not only in the greenhouse, but even on the balcony), and allows you to get several high yields throughout the year.

The essence of the technology lies in the use of special film sleeves for growing, which are filled with a substrate of perlite and steamed peat. This mixture has a high level of hygroscopicity, that is, it absorbs moisture 4 times more than its own volume, while simultaneously saturating it with useful substances. At the same time, flowers and fruits do not come into contact with the ground, which protects them from decay.

Dutch technology has 2 main options. The choice may depend on the available space in the greenhouse. If desired, the methods can be combined.

1. Horizontal placement of bags - the bushes are planted in a checkerboard pattern at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. The bags are arranged in several levels with a gap of 0.5 meters. The disadvantages of this method include the need to organize lighting: its intensity should be equal for all strawberry bushes.
2. Vertical - you can use polymer pipes with cutouts 5–7 cm in diameter. Place them in several rows at a distance of 25–30 cm in height from each other. Fix the structures in an upright position.

Dutch strawberry cultivation technology is recognized as the simplest and most convenient

Planting care

For a good harvest, it is important to properly care for your strawberries. Above, we have already talked about how to maintain light and temperature conditions, as well as humidity in the room used.

1. Be sure to provide your greenhouse strawberries with additional lighting for 8-10 hours a day at least from December to early March.
2. Remember to gradually increase the temperature in the greenhouse from the moment the buds form.
3. Control the humidity in the greenhouse.
4. Be sure to provide fertilizing with fertilizers. For example, once every 2 weeks, use the following mixture: for 10 liters of water - 10 g of potassium salt and 80 g of superphosphate with ammonium nitrate.

Pollination

When growing strawberries in greenhouse conditions, pollination will have to be done manually. Alternatively, you can start a small hive with bees or bumblebees, but this is too laborious. Therefore, it is better to arm yourself with a soft brush. You can buy it at any stationery store.

Pollination should be carried out as follows: 2-3 times a day, gently brush over the flower, collecting pollen, and then transfer it to another flower. It is very important that at this time the humidity in the greenhouse is low.

There is a more interesting way. Take a regular household fan and blow a stream of air at the flowers. The pollen from them will scatter and settle on other plants.

Prevention of diseases and pests

The main enemy of strawberries is gray rot. It is very difficult to treat it, it is much easier to prevent its appearance. To do this, control the humidity level in the greenhouse, do not allow it to rise to a critical level.

Apply fungicides during the flowering period of the strawberry until the petals fall off.

Periodically use a fungicide for spraying: it is applied by a drop method to the root zone. This should be done during the flowering period of the strawberry, until the petals crumble.

Heat and humidity often provoke slugs. You can get rid of them with special traps that can be purchased at any hardware store.

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse (video)

Growing strawberries all year round in a greenhouse is a very time consuming task, but such work (with the proper approach) can bring you considerable income. Fresh juicy berries are always in demand among the population. Tell us in the comments about your experience in growing strawberries. Good luck to you!

Good afternoon! My name is Svetlana. This site has become for me not only an additional source of income, but also an opportunity to share my knowledge of housekeeping with you.

Strawberry is a berry that has millions of fans. It is grown in almost every vegetable garden, despite the fact that it is very demanding on growing conditions. But you can get a delicious harvest of fragrant berries if you follow all the rules of agricultural technology. Grow strawberries in greenhouses and in the open field. It is optimal to grow strawberries in a polycarbonate greenhouse, planting and caring for them in these conditions allows you to get up to 3-4 harvests of berries per year. Strawberries are planted in several tiers, this increases the amount of harvest from one area.

Advantages of a polycarbonate greenhouse

Polycarbonate greenhouses are ideal for planting strawberries. This material has a honeycomb structure filled with air. This allows you to keep warm. Greenhouse polycarbonate sheets are treated with special varnishes, making them impervious to harmful ultraviolet radiation. In polycarbonate greenhouses, ideal conditions are created for the growth and fruiting of strawberries in winter. Greenhouses are resistant to mechanical damage. The service life of such greenhouses is more than twenty years.

Equipment for growing strawberries

One polycarbonate greenhouse is not enough to grow a good crop. You need special equipment to equip it. It should be borne in mind that the thickness of the polycarbonate must be at least 16 mm with a sufficiently strong base.

To equip the greenhouse you will need:

• a heating system that will maintain a uniform temperature;
• fluorescent lamps or phytolamps providing many hours of daylight;
• racks, boxes or pots for tiered planting;
• hygrometer to determine humidity;
• thermometer to determine the temperature;
• drip irrigation system;
• fans that provide uniform heating and air movement.

Greenhouse growing rules

How to grow strawberries in order to get a rich harvest? It is necessary to create favorable conditions, observe the conditions for feeding, watering, lighting the culture. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the local climate, planting technology, the requirements of the selected variety.

To grow strawberries in a greenhouse, certain conditions must be observed:

• First, the soil is prepared for planting.
• Fertilizers are selected to be applied to the soil.
• Planting material is selected.
• After planting, the optimal temperature regime and correct lighting are provided.
• Planting is being cared for.

Soil preparation and fertilization

How to grow strawberries in winter? For growing strawberries, it is recommended to use the soil on which the cereals used to grow. You can bring soil from the fields into the greenhouse. Don't plant strawberries after potatoes or cabbage. Often, gardeners bring sod soil into greenhouses. It can be loosened up a little with sawdust.

Regular feeding is an important stage in the growing season, fruit formation. The plant requires both organic and mineral fertilizers. Gardeners most often use plant compost, rotted manure and peat as organic fertilizer. You can take ready-made complex dressings, they already contain both mineral and organic components. A mixture of superphosphate, urea, potassium is suitable.

To grow good strawberries, you need to choose healthy material. You can purchase it or prepare it yourself by selecting young shoots from the mother bushes. You can separate the seedlings while trimming the mustache.

Choosing a strawberry variety

To harvest an excellent harvest, to build a business for growing delicious strawberries in a greenhouse, you need to approach the choice of greenhouse varieties thoroughly. Their variety and number is constantly increasing. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following properties:

• active formation of ovaries and fruits;
• undemanding to daylight hours;
• taste and aroma;
• large berries.

Strawberries that ripen early, even when planted densely, will yield a rich harvest. Remontant varieties can bear fruit and bloom continuously. But they need to be carefully looked after. By creating optimal conditions for remontant strawberries, you can get five harvests per year. You just need to take into account that because of this strong soil is depleted.

Choosing the most fruitful varieties, you can opt for the following:

• San Andreas;
• Crown;
• Brighton;
• Queen Elizabeth 2.

Their benefits include:

• disease resistance;
• fruiting of young bushes;
• the ability to grow under artificial lighting;
• adaptation to the climatic zone;
• low wateriness;
• high productivity;
• suitability for storage and transportation.

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse in winter is available even to novice gardeners. If you choose the right varieties, there will be no problems.

Strawberry seedlings must be tested and trained before planting. Strawberries should be planted outdoors in summer in order to check varietal qualities and fruiting. Then the mustache is sown, which can be obtained in the second half of the summer. The mustache is actively fed and watered to form a root system. At the end of October, they are transplanted into pots, the leaves are removed. The pots are removed to the cellar with a temperature not higher than 0 degrees, not lower than -2 ° C. After a dormant period, the bushes will be ready for planting in the greenhouse.

Strawberry planting technology

There are several technologies for planting strawberries in a greenhouse.

Classic technology

When using classical technology, the entire greenhouse area is divided into meter strips. Household paths are made between them. The plots are covered with layers: a five-centimeter layer of expanded clay crumbs or fine gravel, 10 cm of sand, 8 cm of high-quality chernozem. Then mineral fertilizers are applied, for example urea Sulfoammophos.

Strawberries are planted in a checkerboard pattern or in rows. Pits for planting in the ground are made at a distance of 25 cm with a depth of 10 cm. To protect the plants from weeds and maintain the optimal amount of moisture, strawberries are mulched using agrofibre. To do this, the fiber is cut to the size of the strips and placed on the prepared soil. The edges are pressed, and markings are applied, holes are made along it according to the landing pattern.

Strawberry bushes are planted in the holes. Care must be taken during cultivation so that moisture does not accumulate in the ground. The first months must be applied with mineral fertilizers. Watering is carried out according to the scheme: for 30 days it is watered daily, then once a week.

Strawberry planting scheme

Dutch technology

Dutch technology is effectively used if you need to plant strawberries in a greenhouse to get a year-round harvest.In this case, the bushes are planted in special pots, which are installed in several tiers. The advantage is that the greenhouse space is used rationally. With this method, more than 50 bushes can be placed on a small plot of land.

Strawberries in the winter in a greenhouse when grown in the Dutch way do not come into contact with the soil, which additionally protects against pests and diseases. Plants receive oxygen, heat, light in an optimal volume. Compactness significantly reduces energy costs, you can make lighting targeted specifically at strawberry bushes.

It should be remembered that growing strawberries according to the Dutch method is not possible for tall varieties with a large root system. The cultivation of strawberries in greenhouses in bags is gaining popularity. It is very efficient and economical as the cost of plastic bags is lower than ceramic pots.

Experienced gardening tips

To create positive conditions for growing strawberries in a greenhouse, gardeners recommend observing the following care rules:

• It is necessary to adhere to daylight hours until 17 hours. This favors rapid flowering and ovary formation.
• The temperature should be maintained in the greenhouse at 20-25 degrees. You need to monitor the humidity of the air in order to get a good harvest.
• Watering should be regular so that water is constantly supplied to the root system, but does not get on the flowers and leaves. Better to use automatic and drip system.
• Modern strawberry varieties are almost always self-pollinated, but experienced gardeners recommend creating conditions for plants to pollinate.
• It is necessary to carry out disease prevention. Late blight rot is most dangerous for strawberries. You can use Ridomil, Metaxil, Quadris.
• The strawberries are fertilized with mineral fertilizers to ensure good growth. Top dressing is carried out every two weeks.