Mulching strawberries

One way to collect a rich harvest of strawberries is to use mulching soil . From the name immediately and do not understand what it is. Mulching is the covering of the free space of the earth near the strawberry bushes with various materials, under which the process of mineralization of organic matter will occur. It is favorable both for the soil and for the development of the plant. It receives carbon dioxide and growth stimulants.

There are several methods for mulching strawberries. The choice of method depends on the climate, the type of soil and the purpose of the mulching, so we will get acquainted with several options.

Mulching strawberry cloth

Gardeners often use black mulch fabric. In different countries it is called differently, but the name spandbond is more common. It well passes moisture, but does not allow its strong evaporation, does not let in light, which inhibits the growth of weeds.

Landing technique:

• cover the heated, loose, moist and pre-fertilized soil;
• to form low beds up to 80 cm wide, and the distance between beds is 50 cm-80 cm;
• cover the beds with a black spandbond, cut the edges with earth or squeeze the load;
• Cut in it round holes with a diameter of 7-8 cm or make the same size of the cross-shaped slits, the distance between the holes in the row is 30-35 cm;
• plant in the usual way in these holes healthy seedlings of strawberries.

Timely pruning of mustaches and watering as needed - that's all the care for such a plantation. If weeds appear between the rows, they are destroyed manually. After 2-3 years the material changes.

Pluses:

• obtaining early strawberry harvest (8-10 days earlier);
• a significant reduction in the labor intensity of care for strawberries;
• purity of berries.

Disadvantage:

• unpresentable appearance of beds.

Mulching strawberries with foil

For mulching strawberries must use a black film. Before you spread the film, you need to clean the soil of weeds and diseases, make fertilizers, and, if it is used, to drip irrigation hoses. The technique of planting strawberries is the same as when mulching with a cloth.

Pluses:

• the soil temperature rises by 2 ° C, which contributes to the active work of the flora and fauna of the soil;
• even if there is no irrigation, the water does not evaporate;
• berries are kept clean and quality,
• when properly handled, the film serves for several years.

Disadvantages:

• the products become more expensive (the cost of the film, payment for the laying and cleaning of it);
• it is problematic to dispose of the film;
• the soil is impoverished.

Mulching strawberries with sawdust, grass or straw

Mulch strawberries with sawdust, dried grass or straw is recommended at the beginning of flowering, after loosening. The mulching material is spread by a continuous tape along the rows with a layer of 5-7 cm. It is better to use chopped straw, because she then does not interfere with the care of the plantation.

Pluses:

• the price of the product will not rise;
• easy recycling of mulching material;
• not impoverish the soil.

Disadvantages:

• in them worms and insects are planted;
• straw and dry grass can contain weed seeds;
• will have to fight with rodents.

Mulching strawberry needles

All that is rich in pine: bumps, twigs, bark and needles - suitable for mulching material. This material rotates very quickly, the soil will be more friable, and more nutritious elements will enter it. There is an opinion that the use of such a mulching the material depresses the strawberry. Then use compost, adding to the needles for mulching fallen leaves and straw. Stack as well as when mulching strawberries with straw, grass or sawdust.

Dignity:

• is a natural barrier to the spread of gray rot.

Disadvantage:

• the constant use of pine needles acidifies the soil.

Gardeners, in addition to the listed materials for mulching strawberries, also use bark, pebbles, crushed stone, manure, compost, roofing paper, old newspapers and paper, or simply buy a mulching stand in the store.