GROWING STRAWBERRIES IN A POLYTUNNEL GUIDEBOOK SERIES ON TUNNEL CULTIVATION
WHAT IS STRAWBERRY? The plant belongs to a group of perennials with a height of 15 to 45 cm from the Rosaceae family. The mature shrub develops leaves and white flowers during flowering. The edible part is a red, cream or purple fruit. Strawberries themselves have undergone many metamorphoses for many years, plant manufacturers are constantly trying to select varieties with the best features, high resistance, best fruit and adapted to growth under cover.
POSITIONING For strawberries in a polytunnel to be successful, you need to choose the optimal location for plants. Ideally, it will be a sunny position, with soil rich in humus, macro- and microelements, ventilated and well-watered. Heavy and wet soils are not suitable for cultivation.
SOIL Even before the strawberries are planted, in order for the plants to develop properly, the first caring duties should be carried out. Sites should be carefully weeded and properly fertilized. If the gardener intends to build gardening crates in a foil tunnel or replace the substrate, then fertile, sandy-loamy, slightly acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, easily absorbing moisture will be an optimal choice. Plants have a very shallow root system, so it is important that soil structure is not too compact and of high quality.
PLANTING, SOWING AND SPACING When planting strawberries, it is worth choosing seedlings with a strong root system, without any signs of pathogens. By placing them permanently in the greenhouse , try not to cover the base of the leaves with new buds, while maintaining a spacing between the plants of 40 to 50 cm, and between rows up to 70 cm. At the end, the land is improved with tapping, watering, layer of straw, foil or agro textile.
VARIETIES There are many varieties of strawberries and seedlings on the market, just visit the first online store. Basically, the plant can be divided into two groups: those that bear fruit once, and those that produce repeatedly .
Repetitive varieties usually bear fruit for two months or until the first drops in temperature (autumn). We include Monterey, Portola, San Andreas and many more. It is good to know the strengths and weaknesses of each of them, and then choose the ones that are best suited. However, when it comes to fruitbearing varieties, they are usually harvested for three weeks from June to July. This group includes Dukat, Onebon, Albione, Everest, etc.
PIELĘGNACJA
Mulching and covering with agro textile are frequent care treatments applied together or occurring separately. However, by combining both methods, effective conditions for the development of plants are created. Although strawberries are frost hardy, cold winters or longlasting frost lead to a weakening of yield.
FERTILIZATION The nutrients in the form of manure and compost must be provided when creating rows with strawberries . The plant will grow in one place for several years, so it is important to provide the necessary elements for the soil as long as possible. Organic fertilizer can be manure or green manure. The use of mineral fertilizers with reduced nitrogen content is also optional. Nitrogen in small doses is adviced before the fruiting stage to improve the whole process.
HARVESTING AND STORAGE Depending on the variety, fruits are harvested from the end of May to the beginning of June. The activity is best carried out early in the morning, when it dew has dried. In a foil tunnel with lateral ventilation, pull up the opening and the air circulation will dry the plants. Pick strawberries from the bush, carefully pull it with the stalk, cutting it with a fingernail. When harvesting, be careful not to damage the fruits, as they bruise easily.
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