Features of watering strawberries during flowering
Many gardeners prefer to grow Victoria strawberries on their plots, as it is usually unpretentious in care and can grow in almost any climatic conditions. Often, no special actions are required to get a good harvest, but with enhanced care, strawberries can please with a rich harvest.
Watering to increase yield
So that during the growth and development of the crop pests and diseases do not appear on it, it must be watered and fertilized. "Victoria" is recommended to be planted in places where there are no strong winds, and which are abundantly illuminated by the sun. In this case, the culture quickly takes root and bears fruit well. At the same time, it is worth remembering that highly moistened lands can cause the appearance of sour and small-sized berries.
Gardeners note that the main agrotechnical methods of caring for this crop are:
- loosening;
- weed removal;
- fertilizer application;
- watering.
The size and size of the crop, as well as its quality, depend on the frequency of fertilizing and watering. When carrying out such a procedure, it is recommended to clarify which types of fertilizers can be beneficial to the crop, and which can be harmful.
Currently, 2 types of strawberries are distinguished, which can bear fruit once or repeatedly. Regardless of the species, watering and fertilizing are carried out in the same way.In the first year after planting, it is not necessary to apply additional fertilizers, since the bush will have enough of those components that were introduced into the hole during planting. In the second year, it is recommended to add some organic components to the soil.
In the third year, mineral fertilizers can be added.
Timing
As soon as it gets warm in the spring and the snow melts, it is necessary to start fertilizing and watering the site. To do this, you must first inspect the bushes and remove the affected processes from them. Then it is recommended to make a large amount of nutrients that are in the composition of nitrogen products. It is this component that can cause the active growth of strawberries after winter.
Summer residents recommend the use of ammonium nitrate. To do this, 5 g of the drug is dissolved in 10 liters of water and applied to the soil, while trying not to get on the plant itself. It is noted that an average of 500 g of such a solution can be added to 1 bush. It must be remembered that too much fertilizer and moisture will not bring the desired result, but can only aggravate the situation, as a result of which the berries will become tasteless and small.
Those who have the opportunity to apply chicken manure use such fertilizers as an alternative. A kilogram of raw materials is infused in 10 liters of water for 6 days, and then the solution is poured in an amount of 300 grams per bush. You can also use an aqueous infusion of humus.
It is advisable not to water the crop if it is hot outside.
Watering during flowering
Strawberry "Victoria" requires top dressing and watering, not only in the spring. At the time of the appearance of flowers, the components necessary for good growth and development of the crop are also required no less, especially if the plant grows on the same bed for 3 or more years.
Some gardeners say that fertilizing is not recommended during the appearance of flowers, but this is not entirely true. It is during the flowering period that there is an increased movement of juices in the stems, which move from the roots to the flowers, and therefore it is recommended to fertilize and water frequently. It is necessary to make funds under the roots themselves, trying not to get on the green shoots.
At the time of flowering, you can make the following fertilizers:
- ash;
- humus;
- chicken litter.
If it is not possible to prepare natural organic ingredients, they can be purchased at the store. Such formulations usually simply dissolve in water and are ready to use. When choosing fertilizers from the store, it is recommended to pay attention that they do not contain chemicals, which will negatively affect the quality of the fruit.
Harvesting and watering
It is also necessary to feed the bushes in the fall. During the period of flowering and fruiting, plants select the maximum amount of useful components from the soil, and also exhaust their own reserves, and therefore, before wintering, the bush needs help to maintain immunity.
As soon as new fruits stop appearing, and this usually happens in early autumn, fertilizer must be applied. To do this, use an infusion of litter or manure. These components are dissolved in water 1: 10 and poured out in an amount of 2 liters under a bush.
Closer to the time of frost, when the leaves are already falling, it is necessary to make a second top dressing. In this case, you can use saltpeter and ash. These fertilizers should be applied in the amount of 100 grams per square meter.
After such events, the culture will be strengthened and will not experience a deficiency of useful components during frosts.Also, gardeners can feel calm in winter, as they will be sure that next year the strawberries will sprout well and bear fruit.
Yeast fertilizer
In addition to the usual methods of fertilizing, modern summer residents surprise with innovations. Recently, yeast has been used to improve the condition of strawberries. They can be used for active growth. Yeast contains a large number of useful components for culture. Yeast helps to strengthen the roots, which is the main guarantee of a good harvest. The fruits themselves acquire more useful components and become more tasty.
To prepare the composition, you need to take 50 g of raw materials and pour them with a liter of warm water. This composition is infused for 2 hours, and then diluted in water 1: 5.
The benefits of such top dressing have been proven for a long time and are relevant for all types of strawberries.
It is recommended to fertilize the crop with such top dressing 3 times per season.
Boric acid
This element has also found its use in horticulture, as it has medicinal properties that are familiar to many farmers. Boric acid will help protect the plant from pests, increase immunity and prevent diseases from spreading. The acid also improves the taste of the fruit.
It is noted that when there is a small amount of boron in the soil, the strawberry roots experience a shortage of the necessary energy. If at the same time there is enough moisture in the soil, then the plant can rot. Currently, there are many recipes for preparing solutions based on boric acid. In some cases, it can be combined with other drugs.
The following solution is considered the most effective at the moment:
- 5 g of acid add a bucket of water and pour 10 grams of manganese;
- let it brew for 5 hours;
- water the bushes in the evening and cool weather when there is no wind.
During the period of the appearance of flowers and fruits, it is recommended to carry out without fail not only top dressing, but also watering the crop, which will allow the soil not to dry out. Without abundant watering, the berry will be unsweetened. But at the same time, we must remember that Victoria should not be flooded, as this can reduce immunity and the plant will often get sick.
As you can see, for Victoria strawberries, the best option would be a sufficient amount of moisture, you should not overmoisten the soil. After the first fruits appear, it is recommended to water correctly - only under the root. To do this, use a watering can or special sprinklers. By adhering to these rules of care, you can achieve good fruiting and maximum yield.
For information on how to care for the berry, see below.