Watering Victoria for the winter. Strawberry care and processing during fruiting

Strawberries are one of the most popular types of berry crops among gardeners. In general, it is not so demanding on care, but top dressing of strawberries during flowering and fruiting is necessary to maintain good plant health.

Strawberries are not only the most delicious, but also very healthy. They contain a lot of iron, potassium, calcium, so the berries will also serve as a delicious medicine for anemia. The use of strawberries is indicated for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, gout. The berries are rich in vitamin C, in the berries of some varieties its amount reaches 80 mg, and in order to fill the daily requirement, you need to eat 100-150 berries.

Strawberries are also high in vitamin B6, also known as folic acid. During the fruiting season, with the active consumption of strawberries, blood is renewed and the lack of vitamin B6 is replenished.

Strawberries are an excellent raw material for making jam, jam, syrup, jelly. If you process the berries using the quick freezing method, they will remain fresh for the whole year. But the use of berries for food is not the only way to use strawberries. Almost all parts of the plant are used in preparations for the treatment of various diseases.

Strawberry fruits and juice from them will help to cope with colds and increase immunity; have a diuretic effect. Strawberries are one of the most popular components of caring cosmetics. Face masks are made from the pulp of the berries.

In folk medicine, mainly strawberry leaves are used, from which decoctions are made. These folk remedies are effective against high blood pressure, kidney and liver diseases, atherosclerosis. Even the roots of strawberries will not be left idle - they can cure hemorrhoids or colitis.

General information about plant care

To know how to care for strawberries during fruiting and other periods of development, it is useful to read general information about the structure and characteristics of the plant.

Strawberries are perennial herbaceous plants, occupying an intermediate form between herbaceous and semi-shrub plants. The height of the plant is not more than 20 cm, the width is up to 40 cm.

The root system consists of one rhizome and many small roots. Their number varies depending on the age of the plant, most fibrous roots in 2-year-old and 3-year-old plants. In plants older than 2 years, the root system consists of 2 tiers: on top - branching of the stem (horns), from which adventitious roots extend, from below - roots diverging from the rhizome. At the same time, the lower tier dies off over time, and nutrition continues at the expense of the upper adventitious roots.

The strawberry stem is shortened, as a rule, no more than 12 cm. Horns begin to form on the stem - short branches. In general, the growth of the horns and the growth of the bush itself runs from the center. The number of branches increases every year, reaching 40 pieces (in some varieties).

From the lateral buds on the stem, stolons, or stolons, are formed. They are cord-like shoots on which there are plant primordia: leaves and root primordia. When in contact with the soil, the plant grows, especially well - in rainy weather. After that, the sockets are disconnected from the mother bush, becoming an independent plant. Then they can be used as planting material.

The appearance of weasels can adversely affect the condition of the mother plant, since many useful substances are required to maintain the shoots. As a result, the number of colors becomes smaller.

Strawberries have trifoliate leaves, on a long petiole. The leaves that appeared in the spring die after harvesting, instead of them, “autumn” leaves appear.

About a month after the start of the growing season - in mid-spring - flowering begins. Depending on the variety, up to 25 flowers are formed. The duration of flowering varies depending on the weather, usually lasts up to 20 days, flowering is faster in the heat. One flower can bloom up to 6 days.

Features of strawberry growth

Another point that affects the care of strawberries during fruiting is the features of its development.

Active growth of strawberry bushes begins in early spring and stops only before the first berries ripen. At this time, leaves are actively growing (the number per bush can reach 40), roots, suction roots grow, flower stalks grow. The growth of strawberries during this period is largely due to those substances that accumulated during the last autumn and winter.

The growth of leaves takes place simultaneously with the formation of peduncles and flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there are not too many leaves: they can “suffocate” the growth of peduncles and flowers. This is facilitated by dry weather, established after the end of flowering, as well as the application of fertilizers based on nitrogen and excessive watering. Thus, contrary to popular belief among inexperienced gardeners, lush foliage does not give any guarantee of a plentiful result, and, rather, will hinder it.

The growth of strawberry leaves during fruiting slows down sharply, and in some varieties it stops altogether. This is due to the fact that during fruit ripening, most of the nutrients are consumed not on the leaves, but on the ripening of berries. Toward the end of fruiting, the leaves begin to dry, but after harvesting the berries, active growth begins again. This time, the nutrients collected over the summer are used for growth.

Watering strawberries during fruiting is of particular importance. The plant really needs moisture, as it consumes a lot of water. After the end of this period, the re-growth of the leaves begins, the root branches, and the goosebumps grow rapidly. This stage is very important, as it precedes the appearance of buds for the next harvest next year. For this reason, during such a period it is very important to support the plant: to improve growth, you need to loosen and fertilize the soil.

As the strawberry bush grows, there is a strong difference between the number of roots and leaves. The lower tier of roots begins to die off, which can greatly weaken the plant. For this reason, good strawberry care during fruiting and after it is necessary for plants older than 2 years. With normal care, strawberries bear fruit for about 5 years without major problems, while in the absence of such care, no more than 3 years.

Like other plants, strawberries need water. Despite this, the question often arises whether it is necessary to water strawberries during fruiting. On the one hand, abundant watering can provoke leaf growth, which will adversely affect the crop. On the other hand, the plant needs more water to ripen the fruit.

Strawberries are moisture-loving plants, so they should always be watered abundantly. But at the same time, excessive watering should not be allowed so that the water stagnates. It is more dangerous for plants from 2 years old due to the structure of their roots. At this time, the lower roots gradually begin to die off, and the roots extending from the horns are very small and short. Therefore, the plant is not able to take water from the depth of the soil, and the roots close to the surface can rot in stagnant water. Therefore, you need to water strawberries only as the soil begins to dry out.

The frequency of watering and the amount of water needed are largely determined by the type of soil. Plants planted in loamy soil require more frequent watering, while strawberries planted in black soil can be watered a little less frequently. For 1 sq. m requires 14-15 liters of water. During the fruiting period, strawberries need to be watered more often: 3 times a month (whereas 1 time per month is enough in other periods).

An important point is the time of watering. It is undesirable to water during the day, as drops of water falling on the leaves can cause burns. The optimal watering time is in the morning. In this case, burns can be prevented, as well as stagnant water in the garden, and hence root rot.

Proper care of strawberries during fruiting is impossible without following the rules regarding water temperature. It is worth remembering that strawberries do not like cold water very much. In many areas, barrels are placed in which water for irrigation is heated during the day. But at night it usually cools down, and in the morning the water often does not have time to warm up.

Cold water can have a bad effect on the state of the strawberry root system - it begins to weaken. Therefore, it is recommended to heat the water at least a little.

To facilitate the care of strawberries during fruiting, it is recommended to mulch the soil - that is, cover it with bunches of straw or pine needles. This will reduce the evaporation of moisture during extreme heat and avoid the appearance of weeds.

Feeding plants in the first year of flowering

Another popular question: is it possible to feed strawberries during fruiting. It all depends on the period of fruiting. Usually the first harvest is good even without top dressing: the berries are large and bright. But then the size of the fruits decreases, they become no longer so beautiful. Therefore, if you want to get a good harvest, the berries should be fed.

Here it is only important to decide how to feed the strawberries during fruiting. Usually, different compositions are used for this purpose:

Chicken litter. This fertilizer must be diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10 and left to infuse for 3 days. Then the plants are watered, trying to make sure that water does not fall on the leaves.

Mullein is dry. For top dressing you will need 3 kg of mullein. It must be filled with water and insisted for several days. Fertilizer is recommended to be applied under the root, so as not to damage the leaves.
When choosing how to feed strawberries during the fruiting period, you can stop at regular compost (4 kg). It also needs to be filled with water and gently applied under the root of the plants.

It is worth refusing to feed strawberries during fruiting or not - it is up to the owner of the site, but if you need to get a good harvest with beautiful large berries, then it is really better to feed the plants. In this case, a number of rules must be observed.

If, in addition to the listed compositions, it is decided to use another top dressing, then it is better to choose organic. It will allow you to get not only good, but also completely “safe” berries, without any chemicals. As already mentioned, the solution must be poured under the root of the plants so that the fertilizer does not fall on the leaves - otherwise burns may occur. Finally, fertilizers are recommended to be applied only after good watering or after rain. Fertilizing in moist soil contributes to better nutrition of the plant roots.

Having dealt with the question of how to feed strawberries during fruiting, it is important to choose the right dosage. The instructions for top dressing sold in the store always indicate the limit value that must not be exceeded. An overdose will only harm the plants. It manifests itself by changing the color of the leaves of the plant to dark brown, and when sprayed - by the appearance of brown spots.

Caring for strawberries during fruiting involves not only watering and fertilizing, but also protection from pests.

During all periods of vegetation, the appearance of pests or diseases of strawberries is possible. But the time of flowering and fruiting is considered the most "dangerous". If you do not try to fix the problem, then it will also capture neighboring bushes, and this year's strawberry crop will not please.

The most common pests for strawberries are:

strawberry mite;
strawberry nematode;
spider mite;
raspberry-strawberry weevil;
ants, snails, centipedes;
wireworms.

The greatest danger to strawberries is represented by strawberry mites that feed on young leaves. Leaf plates affected by strawberry mites change shape and turn yellow. Strawberry pest control during fruiting can be carried out using chemical or folk remedies. A decoction of tops (1 kg per 10 l) or dandelion infusion (800 g per 10 l) is well suited.

Chemical agents are more effective in the fight against strawberry mites. It is recommended to use the drug karbofos. 3 art. l. Karbofos should be diluted in 3 liters of water (per 1 sq. M) and pour strawberries with this solution. Then cover the bed with a film and leave for a while. Then the plants are mowed. It is possible to process strawberries with karbofos after the final harvest, in August. Then new leaves will have time to form, and the strawberries will safely survive the cold.

The spider mite entangles the plant, especially the lower part of the leaves, with cobwebs and draws juice from it. An infusion of wormwood or tobacco helps against this pest. There is another, radical way - processing strawberries with Fitoverm.

Against the raspberry-strawberry weevil, a decoction of hellebore helps (only after collecting the last berries, because the plant is poisonous) or a decoction of wormwood.

To prevent strawberry damage by slugs, you must first of all choose the right place - well lit and not thickened. To protect plants from slugs, you can mulch the soil. Places of accumulation of ants that infect strawberries can be poured with vinegar mixed with sunflower oil.

Strawberry nematodes are small worms (up to 1 mm long) that infect all above-ground parts of the plant. To prevent the appearance of nematodes, weeds should be regularly removed, and calendula should be planted next to the garden. Damaged plants must be burned, and the bed should be treated with bleach.

The post-harvest period is essential for the future harvest. At this time, the active growth of plants begins again, the roots grow. Therefore, care for strawberries after fruiting should be of no less quality than before flowering and fruiting.

After harvesting, you need to carefully weed the bed, remove weeds. The soil needs to be loosened, excess whiskers and yellowed or dried leaves should be removed. Each plant is recommended to be processed separately, then it will be possible to achieve an excellent harvest next year. Some gardeners prefer a more radical method of handling strawberries after fruiting: they simply mow all the leaves to renew the bushes.

After the end of fruiting, many deadheads appear with the beginnings of new strawberry bushes. New plants in the garden are needed, but the mustache can greatly weaken the mother plant, so the extra ones need to be removed. If planting new plants is necessary, then it is best done at the end of July, August or September. Then the young plants will have time to take root and be able to endure the winter.

After harvesting the last crop, you can add soil to the rhizome of the plant, since during fruiting they are very bare. You need to pour the earth very carefully so as not to fall asleep the heart. If the strawberry bushes are not spudded, then the next harvest will be smaller.

After the end of fruiting, strawberries also need to be fed. First of all, you need to purchase mineral fertilizers. Special fertilizers for berries are best suited. For every square meter you need about 40 g of fertilizer. In addition to them, you can use compost, ammophoska or humus.

Please note that the main enemy of strawberries is chlorine. Therefore, you should avoid drugs that include this component.

After harvesting, an important period begins - preparing the bushes for winter. You need to start it closer to the fall. At this time, you need to stop watering the strawberries, but all the weeds need to be weeded out. Pests also need to be eliminated. It is advisable to mulch the soil: straw will help protect the strawberries from the cold. You can put grass between the rows of strawberries. It will give heat in the winter, and in the spring it will become an additional fertilizer.

Victoria is a beautiful, tasty and fragrant berry. It grows not only in the southern regions, but also in the European part of Russia. Thanks to its amazing taste, Victoria has become one of the most favorite berries in children and adults. The article will discuss how to properly process Victoria so that it brings a big harvest year after year. Take care of her both in spring and autumn.

How to process Victoria in the fall

Plant care consists of three stages. This is a mandatory pruning of bushes, fertilizing with mineral fertilizers and preparing Victoria for the winter period. Let's consider in detail each of the stages.

pruning

How to process Victoria in the fall? Where to begin? The most important and necessary in the process of caring for garden strawberries is timely. As a rule, leaves and mustaches are removed. This procedure is necessary in order to give the plant a rest after active fruiting and growth. This stimulates the preparation of the plant for the next year and rejuvenates it. Such processing allows you to improve the condition of each bush. Over the summer, pests could accumulate on the leaves. By pruning, you naturally heal the plant. Leaves and whiskers can be removed as early as September. To do this, it is most convenient to use secateurs or a sharp knife. Cut the leaves about 10 cm from the ground, being careful not to damage the growing point. After the procedure, weeding of the rows should be carried out. The earth between them needs to be loosened and, if necessary, pour fresh soil to cover the exposed roots.

top dressing

How to process Victoria in the fall after the pruning stage? To improve the formation of leaf and fruit buds in a plant in the new season, it is necessary to feed it. During the winter, Victoria will accumulate the right amount of organic and mineral substances. Fertilizers can be laid out immediately after the end of the mustache and leaf trimming procedure, that is, in September. The best types of top dressing for a plant are humus, compost, barn. From mineral fertilizers, it is recommended to use or superphosphate. You can prepare this mixture yourself: 2 large spoons are mixed with 200 g of wood ash. The resulting powder must be dissolved in 10 liters of water. Pour this mixture over each bush. After watering, the soil should be mulched.

Preparing for the cold

How to process Victoria in the fall so that it winters well? In areas where there is a lot of snow, the cold is not terrible for Victoria. But its absence can be detrimental to the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to cover strawberries for the winter. Straw is suitable for mulching. Each bush is neatly covered with it. You can use peat, leaves from trees (fallen) or corn stalks - whatever can be found in your area and garden. Sometimes for Victoria they buy a special covering material - lutrasil or spunbond. Knowing how to properly process Victoria in the fall, you will protect the plants from severe frosts, and next year you will get a rich harvest of tasty and large strawberries.

If you are reading this article, then, of course, you are a lover of delicious, juicy and sweet strawberries. It is almost impossible not to love her, especially if she is grown with her own hands. This berry is called differently, either strawberry or victoria. In fact, Victoria is not a variety or variety of a berry crop. So it is customary to call a massive strawberry bush with ripe berries.

Gardeners liked this delicacy also because it is not whimsical in itself and bears fruit even in the most adverse weather conditions. This perennial variety winters under cover and produces a rich harvest year after year.

To avoid the invasion of pests, diseases and just harvest the perfect strawberry crop, you need to properly care for and fertilize it. Victoria prefers sunny and calm places, where she takes root and bears fruit faster. Wet soil can cause the berries to be small and sour.

Every year, the bushes give "antennae", which must be carefully removed and planted in the ground. They will also grow and bear fruit. Every 4 years it is necessary to transplant strawberries to another place, since during this time its root system sucks out almost all the substances necessary for the development of plants from the soil.

The main methods of caring for strawberries are weeding, loosening, watering and, of course, top dressing. The size, juiciness and taste of berries largely depend on the application of fertilizers. But before you do this, you need to find the right substances that will benefit.

There are two types of quizzes:

Single fruiting. The crop is harvested in the summer, after which the bushes rest until next year;
Multiple fruiting. Beginning in late spring, the plants begin to bear their first fruits. After harvesting, the bushes pick up inflorescences again and again, which also ripen into berries.

For each of the species, the following complementary feeding scheme is relevant:

In the first year, the bushes have enough of the fertilizers that you put into the hole when planting;
In the second and fourth years of plant life, they need a union of minerals and organics;
In the third year, only mineral supplements are required.

As soon as all the snow on your site has melted, it's time to start fertilizing the strawberries. First you need to cut off all the sluggish leaves, dry shoots, in a word, put things in order. At this stage, it is important to choose a fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen substances. It is this element that ensures the active development of new leaves.

Ammonium nitrate for the first portion of fertilizer is ideal. To do this, a tablespoon of the powder must be dissolved in a bucket of water. Watering should be carried out strictly in the soil, trying to avoid getting on the bush. On average, one plant accounts for 500 grams of solution.

A large amount of fertilizer applied will not bring any benefit, rather the opposite. With an excess of nutrients, the berries will be small and tasteless.

A solution of chicken manure can also serve as a good alternative to saltpeter. For this, 1 kilogram of raw materials is infused in a bucket of water for 5 days. Solution consumption - 500 grams per bush.

Mullein, nitrophoska, a mixture of humus and ammonium sulfate and urea are also suitable.

How to fertilize Victoria during flowering

Strawberries need to be supplemented not only in spring. During flowering, nutrients are needed for her no less. Especially if the plant has been living in this garden for more than a year.

There is an opinion among gardeners that applying any fertilizer during flowering is not at all correct. After all, the inflorescences absorb strength precisely from the root system and will also feed on these additives.

In fact, this opinion has a place to be. Therefore, top dressing is best introduced immediately before flowering. At this stage, plants are deficient in potassium-containing elements.

During flowering, you can feed the soil with natural fertilizers:

Chicken litter. Pour 2 kilograms of raw materials in a bucket with water to the top. Cover and leave to infuse for 3-4 days. Then dilute the resulting mixture with two more buckets of water and water the soil at the rate of 500-600 grams per plant. It is important to irrigate only the soil, without falling on the leaves or inflorescences;
Mullein or humus. 2.5 kilograms of manure insist in a bucket of water for 4 days. To avoid a fetid odor, you can add Baikal humate to the mixture. Bring the mixture with two buckets of water, like chicken manure. Water too, directly under the root.
Wood ash. There are 9-10 glasses of ash per bucket of water. Fill it with boiling water. Once the mixture has cooled, the strained solution is ready to serve its purpose.

These fertilizers are suitable for feeding plants during the flowering period. In addition, in stores you can find several varieties of ready-made fertilizers that you just need to dissolve in water. If you decide to use purchased substances, make sure that they do not contain chemicals. This will adversely affect the quality of the fruit.

Fertilizer after harvest

Feeding in the fall is very important. During the period of growth, flowering and fruiting, strawberries and the soil in which they grow have exhausted their nutrient reserves. We just need to help them fill them.

As soon as the plants stop bearing fruit, usually in August-September, it's time to start the first stage of fertilization. For this, solutions such as:

Infusion of manure. You need to breed it like this: pour 2 kilograms with a bucket of water and insist for 4-5 days. Then add 1 cup of the solution to 10 cups of water. In addition, you can use mullein infusion with the addition of ash in a ratio of 10:1;
Chicken litter. Instructions for use do not differ from those described above for a manure solution. It is important to remember that it is absolutely impossible to use dry litter. In the presence of sunlight, the soil and bushes can burn out;

Manure, as a way of feeding, must be rotted. Otherwise, the risk of developing fungal diseases is high.

At the end of October, by the beginning of the first frosts, after removing the leaves, you can proceed to the second stage of feeding. Here, ammonium nitrate and wood ash will become your faithful helpers. Let's see how to use them below:

Saltpeter. It is especially relevant in the second year of development of the bushes. It can be used dry, and as a watering solution. Make grooves between the rows and fill in the granules there. From above you need to sprinkle with earth. For 10 sq.m, 100 grams of the substance will be required.
Ash. Dissolve 200 grams in a bucket of water and water the bushes at the rate of half a liter per bush.

Now your strawberry beds are ready for wintering and will not experience nutrient deficiencies during this period. And you, at the same time, can feel calm, knowing that next year you will get a rich harvest of Victoria.

Fertilizer for strawberries with yeast

In addition to the standard and well-known methods of fertilizers, modern gardeners surprise everyone with new discoveries. For example, recently, new features of yeast have been discovered. With their help, you can not only cook delicious pastries, but also water the plants for the purpose of their active growth and fruiting.

The fact is that yeast contains many components that strawberries (and not only!) Need just the same during the growing season. There are many advantages to this method, here are some of them:

When planting Victoria's antennae in the soil, yeast helps them take root faster in a new place of residence;
Watering the soil with a yeast solution provides strawberries with a complete set of nutrients;
This product contributes to the active strengthening of the root system, which is one of the main keys to the success of an excellent harvest;
Strawberries acquire immunity to the development of diseases and receive a set of beneficial bacteria.

How to prepare fertilizer for strawberries with yeast?

Soak 50 grams of active yeast in 1 liter of warm water. Stir and let it brew for 2 hours. Then bring with water in a ratio of 1:5;
Pour a pack of dry yeast into a bucket, pour 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar into it and pour warm water over it. Mix well and leave for a couple of hours. Then dilute with water 1:5;
Dilute 100 grams of live yeast in 10 liters of warm water and leave for 24 hours.

The benefits of yeast fertilizers have long been proven and tested by many summer residents. It is relevant not only in relation to strawberries, but also to other plants. When and how many times is it better to fertilize with yeast?

Ideally, you need to fertilize strawberries with a yeast solution 3 times. The first time falls on the period of swelling of the inflorescences, the second - on the fruiting process itself, the third, which is also the final one, is best done after the last harvest.

Boric acid for victoria

Boric acid has also found its way into horticulture. Almost everyone knows about its medicinal properties, but few people know that the spectrum of action does not end with a person.

Thanks to boric acid, plants get immunity from pests and many common diseases. In addition, its use also provides the fruit pulp with sugar content and improves taste. Especially this drug came to the liking of lovers to grow Victoria.

If there is not enough boron in the soil, then the roots of the plant may not receive the necessary nutrition and energy. However, they can be subject to rot. Boron deficiency is especially pronounced during a drought, when the bushes dry out and die off very quickly.

To date, there are many ways to prepare a boron solution. Somewhere it is present as a single component with water. Somewhere in alliance with compatible substances. We will consider the most popular and effective of them:

Before transplanting the bushes into the ground, hold them in a boron solution. To do this, dilute 0.2 grams of boric acid in a liter of hot water. Plants soak for 2 days;
Before flowering, when the buds begin to pick up, you need to water. To do this, dilute 10 g of acid in a bucket of water. Water in the evening when the sun sets;
Dissolve 5 grams of boric acid in a bucket of water, add a glass of ash, 3 grams of manganese and 30 grams of urea. Water the bushes with the resulting solution. This will protect them from pests and ensure the active growth of fruits and the quality of their taste;
The union of boric acid and iodine has become famous among gardeners for a long time. Their effectiveness has been tested by experience. Combine 10 grams of acid with 30 grams of iodine and add 200 grams of ash. Dissolve in a bucket of warm water and spray the bushes. The weather should be calm and not hot. It is better to choose for this evening or early morning.

Juicy, red, fleshy and delicious strawberries… At the mere mention, you salivate and want to try it. And what delicious jam can be cooked from this berry ?! It, as a rule, is never enough for the whole winter, no matter how much it is cooked. But behind all these pleasures lies a lot of work and it is doubly pleasant if this work is yours.

We hope our advice will help you in your work. If you have something to say, be sure to write in the comments. We welcome questions and suggestions.

Take care of your garden and soon it will delight you with a real storehouse of vitamins and taste. Good luck and a rich harvest!

Fertilizer for strawberries, how to fertilize Victoria?

In order to achieve a good harvest of strawberries (Victoria), it is necessary to feed the bushes correctly and in a timely manner. Undoubtedly the best Fertilizers for strawberries- natural. Using natural fertilizers, you will not harm the berry bushes or yourself.

How to fertilize Victoria? Manure rotted is good for strawberries. Humus (completely decomposed manure). Manure and humus are sprinkled under bushes or brought in for digging between rows, and in preparing the beds when planting Victoria. Strawberries are used to fertilize bird droppings(weakly diluted, 1 part to 20 parts of water). You will see how strawberries will respond to fertilizer, increase yields and delight you with large berries.

Well, who does not have the opportunity to fertilize with natural, you need to use Complex mineral fertilizers Nitrogen 14%, Phosphorus 7%, Potassium 27%, Magnesium 0.5%. These fertilizers prevent various strawberry diseases.

Nitrogen - in order for the berry to grow large, red and tasty. Nitrogen is found in urea. For a 10-liter bucket, you need one tablespoon of urea. The first time you fertilize a strawberry berry in early spring, after cleaning the bush from last year's garbage. Water each bush with a solution of 0.5 liters. An excess leads to a loss of sugar in the berry.

Potassium - Victoria has brown leaf edges (this is a lack of potassium). The source of potassium is potassium nitrate, wood ash, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate. Phosphorus and potash fertilizers should be applied under the berry bushes in the spring.

Strawberry fertilizer is done in early spring - fertilize with either organic (natural) or mineral fertilizers. The second feeding period occurs after harvest. Apply nitrogen fertilizers according to the principle, clay soils - in the fall, light - in the spring. During fruiting and flowering, Victoria does not need to be fertilized.

How to grow a crop of large strawberries (Victoria).

For strong roots and a good harvest next year, fertilize in the fall (mid-September). In 10 liters of water, dilute a glass of wood ash, two tablespoons of nitrophoska, 20-30 grams of potash fertilizers. Annual autumn fertilization of bushes, has a good effect on the next harvest.

We grow Victoria three kilograms from a bush

Irina Lebedeva, an accountant by profession and a gardener by vocation, has been growing Victoria for 40 years. But even with such experience, it is recognized that the results are different and depend on weather conditions, seedlings or seeds. That is why he does not like to experiment and plants exclusively early varieties. She got a plot of 12 acres in the village of Krasnoe from her parents. There she and her husband Sergei Vladimirovich spend every summer. During this time, up to 3 kg of berries are harvested from one bush. At the same time, the berries are large in size - from the fist of a child.

“Victoria, or, scientifically speaking, large-fruited garden strawberries, is one of my favorite berries,” says Irina Alexandrovna. - Despite the fact that there is not so much space on the site, I allocated 3 beds for her, so that there was enough not only to eat fresh, but also to make preparations for the winter.

When and where to plant

Irina Lebedeva:

I usually plant at the beginning of May. I believe that the earlier it is planted, the better it develops. I plant in the evening so that the strawberries can acclimatize overnight.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

- It is better to prepare the beds in the fall, and immediately start planting in the spring. Strawberries love a sunny, open place. The direction of the beds is desirable to do from south to north. It is in this arrangement that it maximizes the use of solar energy. Try not to plant it under an apple or cherry tree. Soil moisture is another important factor. If groundwater is close, then the bed should be raised to 30-35 cm so that the roots do not rot. In dry places, the beds are low - 8-10 cm.

Seedlings grown using the Frigo technology are best planted in spring (read more about it on our website). Grown by tendrils or seeds, if the roots of the plant are strong, it can be planted just now so that the plant is ready for the drop in temperature in September.

The plants planted now need to be fed with trace elements for berry crops, for example, Gumi-omi. You can treat the beds with special chemicals for the prevention of diseases and pests, for example, Fufanon, Ordan, Abiga-Peak.

How to plant

Irina Lebedeva:

- I make the distance between rows 60 cm, and between plants in a row - 20 cm. I make the depth of the hole for the entire length of the root. I dip the root of the plant in a solution of mullein or humus with earth. In the hole I add 1 tbsp. l. "Agrovit-Kora" or a pinch of "Kemira-Universal". I plant so that the growing point is at the level of the soil. Shallow or, conversely, deep planting leads to the death of plants or to their poor development. After planting, I water with water - 250 ml per plant as the soil dries.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

- First of all, we note that the key to a large harvest is high-quality, healthy planting material. In our case, this means a developed root system of at least 15 cm and a small rosette of leaves. The distance between plants should be a little more than Irina does: between rows - 70 cm, and between plants in a row - 30 cm. When it is planted less often, it gets sick less often, gives more yield, and the distance contributes to ventilation and good lighting.

In the garden, weeds are first removed, then leveled and holes are made depending on the size of the root, that is, for its entire length. Then compost (a couple of scoops), ash (half a matchbox per hole) and some earth are placed in this hole. All this mass is mixed, watered and only then strawberries are planted. Then they are covered with earth and watered again.

Before planting in a summer cottage, it is necessary to draw up a plan and observe crop rotation. That is, to alternate certain crops in the beds. Strawberries can be planted after any predecessors, except for nightshade (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, petunias, tobacco). But you can’t plant it next to raspberries, because they have the same pests. Before the formation of peduncles, it is necessary to water from a watering can, and after their appearance - with a ladle under the spine.

The maximum yield of strawberries is the first two years, and then the yield declines, and the risk of pests increases. It is possible to plant strawberries on the bed where it grew after 2 seasons. And before that, you can plant garlic or mustard, which will improve the soil. You can also grow strawberries where legumes were planted the previous season.

How to prepare for wintering?

Irina Lebedeva:

- In the fall, when the temperature is set - 2-5C, I cover the bed with Agrotex (covering material). And in the spring, when the snow melts, I take it off.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

- Each summer resident has his own way of mulching (covering the soil with a protective layer) of strawberries - mowed lawn grass, sawdust of deciduous trees, hay. But one of the means that will save the gardener from unnecessary trouble is Kostravit-M1 mulch. It protects the soil from overheating, retains moisture longer, saves from pests and suppresses the growth of weeds. Also, the mulch will save the strawberries from freezing in winter. The recommended thickness of the mulching layer is 1.5-2 cm in spring, and 3 cm before winter.

What varieties to choose?

This year, Irina Alexandrovna did not have so many berries, but they were all very large, about 8 cm in length. The hostess believes that this is the merit of the variety, which has not let her down for the 2nd season. Despite the size, the taste does not get worse. The main varieties that Irina Aleksandrovna uses are Gigantella and Festivalnaya.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

All varieties are divided into 4 groups: early, medium, late ripening and remontant. It all depends on the preference of the summer resident, what kind of strawberries he wants to see on his site.

Early varieties ripen at the end of June - these are Kimberly, Korona, Olvia. The berries are sweet, large, bright red, winter-hardy.

Medium ripen in early July - "Rusich", "Black Swong", "Vima-Zanta", "Zenga-Zengana". Berries from 20 g, taste sweet and sour, average winter hardiness.

Late - in mid-July - "Wima Tarda", "Vikoda", "Charlotte". Medium-sized berries, sweet-sour taste, good winter hardiness.

Repair strawberry garden. She gives berries a little bit, but all summer. Also, their peculiarity is that the berries are larger and sweeter than those of ordinary varieties. Blooms from May to October: "Vima-Rina", "Geneva", "Moscow Delicatessen", "Brighton", "Queen Elizabeth II".

How to propagate?

Irina Aleksandrovna breeds strawberries with her mustache. Just now I transplanted it to the bed where the onions grew.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

- This method has many disadvantages, although it is easy to use. After 3 generations, the berry begins to lose its properties. They become smaller, taste deteriorates, yields decline, and susceptibility to disease increases. The next drawback is the transfer of diseases from garden to garden. Strawberries, on which gardeners leave mustaches, spend their energy not on laying fruit buds, but on feeding their young shoots.

To avoid these problems, it is necessary to update the planting material, that is, take seedlings of the first reproduction. They give the maximum yield. Seedlings of this class can be found today. Sellers must have varietal certificates confirming this.

There is another modern way - the new technology of frigo (translated as "cold"). Throughout the summer, strawberries are grown in farmers' nurseries in the open field. During this time, she is not allowed to give the harvest, the mustache is removed. Then the strawberries are dug up, the leaves are cut off, and the seedlings are stored in the refrigerator for storage. And in this state, it is stored until the moment when it needs to be planted. To us, in Udmurtia, frozen roots are brought from a Dutch nursery in the spring. After planting it, after two months, gardeners receive a guaranteed harvest. You can make an application for the purchase of seedlings of 1 reproduction using the freego technology by calling the Agricultural Academy 55-02-07, (the average price is 25-35 rubles per seedling).

How to care?

Twice a season, Irina Alexandrovna makes liquid top dressing for strawberries. The first time - in May, before flowering, and the second time - in early July, after harvesting.

Irina Lebedeva:

- For liquid strawberry dressings, I use fresh chicken manure. I water the beds well a few hours before feeding. Then, in 10 liters of water, I carefully stir a portion of fresh chicken manure at the rate of 1:10 and water it evenly from a watering can. After harvesting, I remove all weeds, loosen the soil around all the bushes and cover with a small layer of cow dung to fertilize the ground. I don't use any chemicals.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

- Experts advise feeding strawberries in the spring with nitrogen fertilizers in accordance with the instructions on the package (for example, AFK 16-16-16, 10 grams per square meter). But don't overdo it. They also recommend regularly applying a complex of microelements for berry crops, for example, Gumi-omi. After harvesting, it can be treated with special chemicals for the prevention of diseases and pests, such as Fufanon, Ordan, Abiga Peak.

How to get rid of pests

Irina Alexandrovna is sure that pests do not touch Victoria, because every three years she transplants her to a new place.

Expert Vyacheslav Dolgovykh:

The main pests of strawberries are the larvae of the May beetle (Khrushchi). When digging the beds, you need to remove the larvae manually. Another method of struggle is to cover the beds during the summer of beetles in May with covering material, film or roofing material.

Another enemy of strawberries is nematodes - small worms. It is very difficult to fight them. The main way is to observe crop rotation. Eliminate the bed after 3-4 years of fruiting and burn the remains of plants. You can get rid of them with a folk remedy - pour a decoction of marigolds or plant marigolds on the future garden for several months. Before planting, when preparing a bed, you can plant it, for example, with mustard, it heals the soil. In a month, you can dig everything up and plant strawberry seedlings.

Watering strawberries affects the quality and quantity of the crop

General rules for watering Victoria

If the spring is dry, continue to moisten the soil immediately after planting. The average rate of watering strawberries in the spring is 10 liters per square meter. m landing. It should be borne in mind that excessive moisture and stagnant water can provoke rotting of the root system, so you need to carefully monitor the rationing.

First of all, young seedlings need intensive watering. After planting, each bush will need up to 0.5 liters of warm water. The procedure is repeated for 14 days, three times a week. After this time, they switch to the standard irrigation scheme, depending on weather conditions.

for the normal development of strawberries in sandy soils, about 70% moisture is needed, and in clay soils - 80%;
after harvest, the required amount of water is reduced to 60%.

It is not recommended to water the plants too often in small doses, as moisture stagnation will provoke the development of fungal diseases. If the summer is rainy, it is recommended to stop watering completely, and cover the plantations with a thin transparent film.

The root system of the berry crop is underdeveloped and is located in the upper layers of the soil, so it is unable to extract moisture from the deep soil. Therefore, regular moistening of strawberry beds is a prerequisite for a good harvest.

Irrigation of strawberries during the flowering period is carried out in a drip way to protect the flowers from dust sticking, along with which diseases spread. If this method is not available, water it so that water does not fall on the leaves and flowers. If possible, the drip method of moistening the soil is left even when the ovary appears, despite the fact that after flowering, sprinkling irrigation can be used.

Many gardeners doubt whether it is necessary to water strawberries during flowering, which begins in early ripening varieties at the end of May. During the period when the spring rainy season is still going on, and the ground is still quite wet after the snow melts. Here it is necessary to decide according to weather conditions, since during flowering the rhizomes of a berry crop react especially sharply to a lack of moisture.

If the soil is wet, or it rains, watering can be omitted, but when the weather is hot, dry, moistening should be carried out according to a certain pattern:

for irrigation you need to use warm water;
the procedure should be carried out early in the morning before the onset of heat;
in order for the soil to be well saturated with moisture, a dosage of water of 25 liters per 1 square meter is sufficient (the rate can be increased when grown in sandy soils, or reduced for chernozems and loams).

Drip irrigation during the flowering period is recognized by gardeners as the most optimal.

How to water strawberries during fruiting

When forming fruits, the plant requires special attention, regular abundant watering is important. In the aisles of strawberries, you can dig furrows to direct water. Watering strawberries during fruiting should be combined with soil aeration to provide oxygen to the root system.

Do not allow the soil to dry out and form a dry crust on the surface. To avoid this phenomenon, it is recommended to mulch the soil with black film, needles, sawdust or straw.

In addition to retaining moisture, mulch creates a protective layer that protects the crop from insects and infestation by putrefactive bacteria that live in the ground, and also retards the growth of weeds.

Tank mixes for protection against diseases and top dressing of strawberries

To get a good harvest of strawberries, it is necessary to protect plants from diseases and pests, as well as to carry out top dressing. In this case, most drugs and funds are introduced in a diluted form. To minimize labor costs and facilitate the calculation of strawberry irrigation rates, tank mixtures are prepared, watering with which simultaneously moistens the soil and feeds the plants, or protects against infection.

Fertilizing with iodine and protecting against rot

There is a proven method on how to properly water strawberries during fruiting to minimize the risk of gray rot. For these purposes, one of the irrigations is carried out with a tank mixture: half a teaspoon of iodine is dissolved in 10 liters of water, 200-300 grams of crushed ash, or tobacco dust, are added.

Such watering will not only protect against rot, but is also a potash top dressing, as well as prevention from weevils.

Mix for improving the quality of the crop

Strawberries are very dependent on the mineral components of the soil, so watering strawberries during fruiting with a solution of chicken manure and manganese can be considered both top dressing and protection from root rot. The tank mixture is prepared as follows:

100 grams of fresh chicken manure is poured into 10 liters of warm water;
insist about a day and mix well, after which they stand for another 2-3 days;
manganese is added at the rate of 3 grams per 10 liters of solution (can be replaced with iodine or copper sulfate).

Manganese in the composition will help destroy most of the harmful fungi in the soil, and also improves the metabolism and development of the plant. Chicken manure is an excellent nitrogen-containing fertilizer, which affects the rate of ripening and the size of the berries.

Milk whey for watering strawberries

The usual whey will help the development of the plant during the growing season. Watering with a solution with water in a ratio of 1: 2 will saturate the culture with phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen.

Outcome

Proper watering of strawberries is a prerequisite for a good harvest of berries. Before watering strawberries during flowering, or at any other time, consider the quality of the soil, the amount of moisture required for development, as well as top dressing and protection products that can be combined.