Rules for watering strawberries during flowering
In the process of planting strawberries on their site, summer residents very often face irrigation problems. It should be noted that at different stages of flowering, the technique of watering water and its amount are different. In order to get a quality crop at the output, it is necessary to plan irrigation, its schedule and other subtleties as carefully as possible. Only in this case will it be possible to provide strawberries with the proper conditions, which will undoubtedly affect the taste of the product. If the plant does not bloom well, then we can confidently talk about a violation of the rules of watering.
Peculiarities
In addition to a sufficient amount of water, strawberries also need a constant supply of oxygen to the roots, so this process must be combined with loosening. This is the only way to achieve suitable conditions for growing strawberries and getting a good harvest.
You should also take into account the fact that this plant is able to draw water from the lower layer of the earth, since the roots do not go too low. In other words, moisture losses here are huge, so they need to be replenished on a regular basis.
The watering rate can change all the time, and depends on the amount of precipitation that has fallen. If it constantly rains, then the strawberries are covered with a special film. Thanks to this, fungal infections can be prevented.
There are different norms and levels of moisture for different types of soil. If these are sandy options, then the humidity should fluctuate around 65-70%, but for clay options, 65% is considered the norm.
If spring is characterized by a minimum amount of precipitation, then the first watering must be carried out no later than the beginning of April. Of course, if strawberries are planted on light soil, then they need less water than on heavy soil.
Water supply frequency
Watering this crop should be started in the early morning, so that the bushes have time to dry by evening. In no case should plants be flooded, as this can cause many diseases.
Some summer residents mistakenly believe that the more often you water strawberries in the heat, the better the harvest will be. However, in practice, this does not increase fruiting and does not have any positive effect on the condition of the berry. On too hot days, strawberries do consume more water, however, the difference is minimal here, and using too much liquid will cause waterlogging of the soil.
As a result, serious damage can be done to the culture, which will affect the palatability of the products and its ability to resist infectious diseases. In order to protect strawberries from heat and at the same time prevent an excess of water, it is necessary to systematize watering in a certain way.
The frequency and amount of watering strawberries in hot weather depends on a number of factors, among which are:
- features of the region;
- soil composition;
- bed type;
- seating arrangements.
If it is a well-developed shrub that is in a fertile bed, then it needs more water, unlike options where it grows in a shaded area on heavy soil.
The use of cold water during the hot season can cause fungus to grow on plants. In order to protect them from this, specialized means can be used as a preventive measure. An excellent antibacterial “pillow” is ordinary straw, which absorbs excess moisture, and thereby prevents the appearance of fungus. In addition, strawberries can be processed using the Fitosporin M solution.
In hot weather, predetermined watering rules should be followed so that there are no problems with the taste of strawberries. The fact is that due to an excess of moisture, it can become acidic.
Watering strawberries during flowering should be given close attention, as the ability of the plant to survive in extreme conditions, which the heat is, depends on it. It is best to divide watering into several parts: in the morning, towards lunchtime and late in the evening. Irrigation under the scorching rays of the sun is not recommended, as this can burn the plant.
Most summer residents do not understand why strawberries should be watered in several passes in hot weather. The fact is that the higher the air temperature, the faster the earth dries out, as a result of which a small film appears on the surface. If you immediately pour out all the water, then only part of it will be absorbed, and the rest will evaporate. The most optimal way out of the situation is penetrating watering, the essence of which is to soak the soil, and water it again after 15 minutes. This method allows you to provide the roots with the maximum amount of moisture, and prevent the rapid evaporation of water.
Watering methods in the heat
The ideal solution for strawberries is the use of automatic irrigation systems, thanks to which you can achieve incredibly high results in the field of growing this crop. Automation is good because it allows you to pre-program the structure to supply a certain amount of water, which completely eliminates the possibility of waterlogging the soil.
If you do not have enough funds to purchase and install such a system, then you can limit yourself to using an ordinary garden watering can. The only disadvantage of using this method in hot weather is its high labor intensity.
Another inexpensive device is a hose, which is much more powerful than a watering can. It should be borne in mind that a large pressure can not only not help plants, but also cause them significant harm. Due to the strong jet of water, fragile seedlings are often knocked down. If the budget allows, then it is best to install a sprinkler or drip irrigation system that boasts mobility and versatility.
The drip irrigation process consumes the least amount of water, making it the most economical option during the hot season. Thus, watering strawberries in the heat should be done correctly and correctly so as not to harm the plants and provide them with the proper conditions for flowering.
For information on how to properly water strawberries, see below.