Growing strawberries using Dutch technology step by step

Arrangement of the premises

The culture needs a warm greenhouse, protected from drafts. A polycarbonate structure (or glass, thick film, cellular plastic) is ideal - arched or with a pitched roof. A pair of windows are required for regular ventilation of the room.

A finished design with these parameters costs about $1,100. You can purchase only the frame ($120-150) and tighten it yourself with a thick film, leaving space for windows and doors. In this case, the cost will be $700-800.

To provide sufficient lighting, the greenhouse is equipped with fluorescent or LED lamps (about 10-15 pieces).

Common options: stove, gas, electric water heater (pipes under the beds with hot water).

A multi-level system for arranging beds helps to save space and increase the amount of harvested crops.

In total, it costs about $2,000 to set up a greenhouse.

Advantages of the Dutch method

Familiarization with the main components of the process under consideration makes its advantages very obvious:

• crop stability. Every 2 months for a whole year;
• presentation of berries, absence of diseases. After all, the bushes are deprived of the opportunity to come into contact with the ground;
• obtaining the maximum number of fruits in the minimum area;
• profitable investment. The purchased equipment is used for a long time;
• excellent taste qualities of strawberries, not inferior to berries “under the sun”.

Of course, to effectively organize a “berry business” you need to follow certain recommendations. Starting from choosing a variety, proper preparation of seedlings, creating optimal conditions – ending with harvesting.

Strawberries can be harvested every 2 months

Stages of growing strawberries using Dutch technology

In the greenhouse, it is necessary to create conditions that fully meet the requirements of the plant, and also to take a responsible approach to choosing a promising variety and harvesting high-quality seedlings.

Suitable strawberry varieties

Greenhouse cultivation of strawberries using Dutch technology excludes natural pollination. To avoid having to manually shake pollen off the inflorescences, you need to plant self-pollinating varieties. Remontant hybrids produce good yields.

Among the most promising varieties and hybrids of strawberries for the Dutch growing method are: Maria, Lord, Honey, Red Rich, Selva, Tristar, Vima Zanta, Corona.

Preparation of planting material

Strawberry seedlings for Dutch cultivation can be purchased from agricultural companies or prepared independently. Young seedlings for Dutch beds are dug out from open ground in September. All large leaves are cut off from the seedlings, leaving only the rosette. The roots of the bushes are not washed or shortened; it is enough to lightly shake off the soil.

The seedlings are sorted and stored in the refrigerator. The technology for freezing seedlings is called Frigo. Before planting, the bushes need to be “awakened” by keeping them at room temperature for at least a day.

Preparing the soil mixture

According to the Dutch method, strawberry seedlings are planted in a soil mixture of peat and perlite in a ratio of 2 to 1. You can also mix turf soil and coarse river sand in a ratio of 2 to 1 and add one part of moisture-absorbing lowland peat. Before planting, the prepared soil must be disinfected (calcined at high temperature).

Some gardeners practice growing strawberries using Dutch technology on an artificial substrate: coconut fiber, expanded clay, mineral wool. This approach requires accurate calculation of the proportions of mineral additives in the nutrient solution and the organization of a system for continuously supplying them to the strawberry roots.

Do not fill containers with garden soil, or add manure or other organic matter to the soil. In such soil there remains a high risk of strawberry infection with diseases, pest invasion and weed germination.

Rules for planting strawberries in Dutch beds

You can plant seedlings in any container: flower pots, plastic containers, synthetic bags. In the future, they can be sterilized and reused. Metal containers cannot be used for planting strawberries.

The planting technology is no different from planting seedlings in open ground. When placing containers horizontally, the step between bushes is 25-30 cm. In a vertical position, strawberries are planted in a checkerboard pattern, reducing the distance between bushes to 10-15 cm.

Preparing soil for strawberry seedlings

Intensive fruiting of plants throughout the year is impossible without soil rich in nutrients.

Enterprises using Dutch technology for growing strawberries use a variety of substrates.

In country conditions, you can prepare a mixture of:

• loamy turf soil, rich in organic matter, but slightly acidic;
• sawdust moistened with a solution of urea, added for looseness at the rate of seven parts to two parts of soil;
• glasses of wood ash, chalk or dolomite flour;
• lowland peat, which absorbs and retains moisture well, and before adding copper sulfate and mullein soaked in a solution to the mixture;
• humus from the decomposition of organic residues or manure;
• coarse river sand, added in an amount of 10% of the volume of the prepared mixture.

Before filling containers for planting strawberries, mix the substrate well, removing foreign inclusions.

Dutch strawberries in containers - where to plant seedlings and where to get them

The Dutch method of planting and growing strawberries involves the use of ceramic pots, which are placed on a metal frame in several steps in a greenhouse. But if you just imagine for a moment how much such a number of flower pots will cost, then not everyone will want to grow strawberries. What to do? Farmers will not be paying subsidies like in Europe any time soon, at least not in this century, and there is no opportunity to spend several thousand euros on containers. Dead end?

In fact, everything is much simpler; the Russians have significantly simplified the abstruse designs and replaced expensive ceramics with plastic bags. 2-3 bushes will grow in such a bag, it costs no more than 8 rubles, and even cheaper on the wholesale market. By spending only 300-400 rubles, you can equip the entire greenhouse and grow up to 1000 strawberry bushes. To make the “correct” pot, we need to perform the following steps:

1. Place future soil for strawberries in a plastic bag, namely: 4 parts fertile soil, 1 part peat, 1 part sand, 1 part humus (manure), 1 part clay. Mix it all thoroughly, then tie the bag tightly. Do this with all the “pots”.
2. Place the bag on a metal structure (if there will be hanging strawberries) or simply on the floor, cut 2 holes with a diameter of 10 cm. Seedlings will be planted there.
3. Secure the polyethylene with plastic tapes, ropes or other available materials so that it does not fall.

The appearance of the “pots” will not be very presentable, but they can be replaced as funds become available with ceramic and plastic products. The Dutch method of planting and growing strawberries has one drawback - it is necessary that the greenhouse transmit light not only from above, but also from the sides, since when grown vertically, the plants below will not receive enough light.

Absolutely any seedlings are suitable for growing berries in this way; you can plant early strawberries or late ripening ones - there is no difference! Of course, it will be better to choose the most disease-resistant variety, but, as a rule, with proper care there is nothing to fear. You can simply buy seedlings at any agricultural company or flower shop. If this is the case in winter, then you will have to go to a wholesale center where frozen seedlings are sold - a special type of supply of plants in which they are stored in freezers at subzero temperatures.

The risk of purchasing “killed” seedlings is very high, but here you need to decide what you want more, take a risk and grow strawberries in December or wait until mid-spring to buy seedlings. If you are lucky and buy high-quality seedlings, then after 2 months you will be able to plant bushes from the first shoot, and you will have your own nursery.

Equipment and materials

Before you start growing strawberries using the Dutch method, you should stock up on all the necessary equipment and materials. These include:

• Container for seedlings. There are plenty of options to choose from - from homemade wooden boxes to plastic containers or even flower pots. Even plastic bags that are filled with earth and holes for sockets are made in their sides are perfect. If the greenhouse has a high ceiling, then the boxes can be placed in several levels.

• Watering. It is advisable to use drip irrigation for this method. In addition, it will be necessary to stock up on devices that control the humidity in the room. The advantages of drip irrigation are that the water does not touch the above-ground parts of the plant, including berries. Therefore, they get sick less and water consumption is significantly reduced. The equipment is sold in specialized stores. For a home garden, you can use plastic water bottles with tubes in which holes are cut opposite each root. By adjusting the flow rate, you can achieve the optimal water flow rate of 2-3 drops per minute.
• Lighting. Artificial lighting must be chosen carefully. It is advisable to use professional lamps (phytolamps) or daylight (energy-saving). Conventional incandescent lamps are unprofitable. The daylight hours of plants should be at least 12 hours, and for many varieties it is 16 hours. Therefore, during the winter months you will have to turn on additional light sources.
• Soil . Ordinary garden soil is absolutely not suitable for this technique. For preparation you need perlite - a rock mixed with peat. To prepare the soil, purified high acidity soil, river sand and compost are used. Urea must also be added to this mixture.

• Microclimate. Acceptable temperature in the greenhouse is from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. As soon as the temperature drops to 12 or rises above 20 degrees, the growing season stops. In the greenhouse, it is necessary to control the humidity so that it remains at the level of 70-80%, it must be ventilated.

Particular attention should be paid to feeding . This is a solution consisting of the following components:

• potassium chloride – 10 g
• ammonium nitrate – 80 g
• ordinary running water – 10 l

Fertilizer is applied to the soil before planting at the rate of 0.1 liters per bush. Each plant is fed with this composition 2 weeks after planting the seedlings and 2 times during the growing season. You can additionally fertilize each root as the berries ripen.

Varieties

An important aspect in organizing a strawberry business is the choice of variety. This is also not such a simple matter.

To begin with, it is worth informing that strawberries for growing in a greenhouse are usually chosen:

• self-pollinating, which does not require pollinating insects;
• remontant, which is capable of blooming several times per season and bears fruit constantly.

Remontant strawberry

Table. Strawberry varieties for growing in a greenhouse.

When choosing a variety, be sure to think about what conditions a particular species needs for normal development and growth, as well as fruiting. For the strawberry business, the best ones are those that do not react strongly to changes in daylight hours, constantly bloom and bear fruit abundantly, and produce very tasty and aromatic berries.

It is recommended to grow strawberries with high fruiting and constant flowering for sale.

Preparation of planting material

You need to stock up on seedlings for year-round cultivation in advance. You can do this in one of two ways. The first is considered more expensive and involves growing young rosettes . At the end of autumn, you need to dig up the rooted mustaches and replant them. Such fresh seedlings with an open root system are stored at a temperature of 0…+2°C. This method has a couple of disadvantages - you need free basements or freezers, as well as separate plots of land for berries.

Technology of horizontal cultivation of strawberries in plastic bags

The least expensive technology for growing strawberries involves the use of translucent plastic bags (made of white polyethylene). The standard thickness of such bags is 0.2 mm. Dimensions - 16x20 cm. You can buy bags at any household goods store.

Growing strawberries in bags horizontally

You will also need the following components to prepare the substrate:

• peat (2 parts);
• perlite (1 part);
• sawdust (1.5 parts).

This technology for growing strawberries allows you to start a business with the smallest amount of capital - from 3 to 5 thousand rubles. This will be enough to plant seedlings on an area of ​​10 m2. From 1 m2 you can get from 15 to 20 kg of berries. When you gain experience in growing strawberries, the harvest volumes will increase. Specialists receive up to 50 kg/m2. The business can be considered economically profitable with a yield of 150 kg per 10 m2.

Lying bags - an alternative to raised beds

Sequencing

Step 1. Substrate preparation: mix sawdust, perlite and peat in a ratio of 1.5:1:2.

The main properties of perlite are loosening the soil and improving its structure.

Step 2. Fill plastic bags with substrate to ¾ of their volume.

Step 3. Seal the top of the bag using an iron or soldering iron.

Step 4. Using any sharp object, cut 2-3 longitudinal holes 7-9 cm long in each bag.

Step 5. Place bags with substrate in even rows on the flooring or floor so that there is at least 25 and no more than 30 cm between the “beds”.

Step 6. 3 dropper tubes are connected to each bag. One tube is immersed on the bottom layer of the substrate, the second on the middle, and the third on the top. Water consumption – 0.5 l/day per 1 package.

Dripper connection diagram Approximate diagram of a drip irrigation system

Step 7. Seedlings are planted in each slot in the bag.

Step 8. Provide optimal conditions throughout the entire period of plant growth and fruiting.

At the initial stage of strawberry growth (in the first week after planting the seedlings), it is necessary to maintain a temperature of +10°C in the greenhouse. Then the indicator is gradually raised to +20°C. During the flowering period, the optimal temperature is from +20 to +24°C.

An important microclimate parameter is humidity. It must be maintained within 80%, but during the flowering period it must be reduced by 5-10%. When the fruits begin to form, another decrease in humidity by 5-10% will be required.

Growing strawberries in bags

Rules for growing strawberries

Throughout the growth, flowering and fruiting of plants, it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation of the greenhouse. Every 14-15 days, starting from the day of planting the seedlings, fertilizers are applied - superphosphate and potassium salt. For strawberries, the quality of lighting is extremely important. This plant is warm and light-loving

If the daylight hours last at least 16 hours, the berries will form already on the 35th day after planting the seedlings. If the period of full illumination does not exceed 8 hours, the waiting period for the harvest will be longer (up to 1.5 months). Therefore, if there is not enough sunny days, it is recommended to arrange artificial lighting for the greenhouse. If the chosen variety is not self-pollinating, it will be necessary to carry out artificial pollination using a small and soft paint brush.

A possible option is a device for growing strawberries Topsy Turvy Strawberry Planter Strawberry Planter for growing strawberries

Rules for growing and care

To achieve optimal results, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• maintain normal carbon dioxide concentrations by lighting a candle;
• control soil moisture;
• use plants that no longer bear fruit for propagating seedlings - rooting mustaches;
• Store ready seedlings at a temperature within 0-2 degrees.

Then in a month you can harvest. If the plants are provided with proper care, from an area of ​​1 sq. m it will be possible to collect 40-50 kg of strawberries.

How to grow strawberries using the Dutch method?

You can get the first berries at the beginning of winter if you plant seedlings at the end of summer, in August. Rosettes are planted in plastic bags filled with substrate or in various plastic containers, the depth of which is at least 25-30 cm.

Figure 2. Bags of strawberries should be placed on one or two tiers, not forgetting about abundant lighting.

1. You can make bags for growing strawberries yourself. To do this, a rectangle 51 cm wide is cut out of dense polyethylene; its length will depend on the wishes of the owner. The film is folded in half lengthwise, sealed or the side seam is sewn. The result is a sleeve with a diameter of approximately 16 cm. A specially prepared mixture is poured inside the bag.
2. The substrate mixture consists of steamed peat mixed with perlite in a 2:1 ratio. The peculiarity of this material is that it can absorb moisture in amounts up to 400% of its volume, gradually releasing it if necessary. This ensures an even supply of moisture to the roots.
3. To plant strawberry rosettes in the bag, cut holes in 2 rows:

• at a distance of 25 cm from each other, if the holes in adjacent rows are staggered;
• at a distance of 40 cm if they are located in pairs.

Remove excess leaves from strawberry bushes, leaving 3 leaves. The root is pinched a little and the rosette is placed in the cut hole so that its central part, the “heart” or growing point, is located at soil level. Rice. 1.

The bags are placed on the greenhouse racks so that there is a distance of at least 50 cm between them. The height of the rack should correspond to the height of the person caring for the strawberries. Bags of seedlings can be placed in 1-2 tiers, not forgetting to provide enough light for each bush. Rice. 2.

The Dutch method of growing strawberries involves placing bags of seedlings in both horizontal and vertical positions. When the bags are arranged vertically, space for their placement is significantly saved. You can also plant plants vertically on the side of the sleeve that is at the bottom when positioned horizontally, but the natural lighting conditions for the plants will not be the same. Therefore, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of artificial illumination with fluorescent lamps or to rotate the vertical bag several times a day so that the sun illuminates all its sides.

Figure 3. Options for placing vertical strawberry plantings.

You can use plastic or metal pipes with a diameter of 16-20 cm. The pipe is prepared as follows:

• Holes with a diameter of 5-7 cm are cut out in opposite sides; each next row of holes is placed in a perpendicular direction to the previous one. The distance between rows is 25 cm. Fig. 3;
• the pipe is filled with soil, and a rosette of strawberries is planted in each hole. To prevent soil from spilling out of the holes, you can place a bent disk of plastic or tin into their lower part, forming a platform located at an angle of 45 °;
• the pipe is installed and securely fixed in a vertical position.

Each 2 m long pipe can accommodate about 20 plants, which, with good care, will yield a harvest of 5-8 kg of marketable berries.

Features of the Dutch technique

The basis of the method is year-round continuous harvesting of strawberries. The first wave of harvest is followed by the next and this cycle is not interrupted. This distinguishes this direction from the traditional way of growing strawberries.

The Dutch method has its own characteristics:

1. The room must be equipped, and the soil in which the strawberry bushes are planted must be closed. Choose containers for planting that match the planting method. These can be boxes, pots, bags, buckets, etc.
2. The plant does not have the ability to produce crops all year round, so after harvesting it is replaced with prepared seedlings. Bushes are replaced on average every 7-9 weeks.
3. In this technology, watering and fertilizing are used only by drip.
4. You can place strawberry bushes in beds vertically or horizontally.

Preventative treatment

Methods for preventing diseases and pests:

• Regular ventilation.
• Avoiding waterlogging of soil and air.
• Maintaining distances between neighboring bushes.
• Compliance with fertilizer standards. It is especially harmful to exceed the norms of nitrogen fertilizers.
• Preventive treatment with fungicides - they are introduced along with water through a drip irrigation system.
• Only healthy seedlings are planted.
• Timely removal of diseased, dried or broken stems and leaves.
• Destruction of diseased bushes.
• Before the formation of ovaries, strawberries are sprayed with Fitosporin, Alirin or Glyokladin - for prevention.

Finnish growing technology

The Finnish method involves mulching, that is, covering the soil with a film. This method is used when planting in open ground, for growing in film tunnels and greenhouses. It makes it possible to obtain a harvest from rooted bushes within 1.5-2 months after planting.

Advantages and main components of success

The main secret of early ripening of berries is rapid warming of the soil. The planting density is 25-40 thousand per hectare. The distance between the bushes is 25-30 cm. Growing strawberries using Finnish technology has a number of advantages:

• mulching guarantees uniform heating of the soil and moisture retention;
• an obstacle is created for the rooting of rosettes and the growth of weeds;
• Nitrate nitrogen accumulates on the soil surface, which enhances the nutrient medium;
• microorganisms necessary for the full growth of berries intensify their activity;
• ripe fruits do not get dirty with soil.

Finnish growing method

What is required for Finnish technology

The main functional material is dark film. Mulching cover is used for plantings located in one or two rows. The first option requires covering with a film of up to 1 m. The second method of planting in two rows is more economical for a greenhouse; 1.2–1.5 m of film is used to cover such plantings.

The film can be black or dark brown. This type of film cover is very productive when cultivating strawberries. However, it actively attracts sunlight, which contributes to the drying out of the soil. But when using white film, you will have to fight weeds, and the harvest will appear much later.

Sometimes agrofibre is used, which prevents mold from developing, since the material “breathes”. But when using it, you need to increase the number of waterings, and the cost of the material is much higher than film, which also does not speak in its favor. Finnish technology requires a drip irrigation system. This protects the crop from drying out.

Main advantages and disadvantages

The number of gardeners who practice this method of cultivation is increasing. The reason for this is the advantageous features of the technology:

1. You can place a large number of berry bushes using the minimum size of planting areas.
2. In heated greenhouses with many transparent walls, natural light will be sufficient.
3. Any premises can be used for planting.
4. Strawberries do not come into contact with the soil, therefore they are not exposed to diseases and pests as much as possible.
5. The high probability of obtaining a stable harvest in 1-2 months is the main reason for the popularity of the Dutch method of growing strawberries among businessmen and farmers.
6. The installed system has been in operation for many years.
7. The taste of strawberries is in no way inferior to berries that were grown using traditional technology.

There are also a number of difficulties when using this technique. These include:

1. The need for constant provision of planting material. Seedlings need to be supplied all year round. It is best for small farms to grow it themselves, but for large-scale greenhouses it is easier to purchase it.
2. Constantly maintaining optimal lighting conditions and temperature inside the premises used. It is necessary to artificially extend daylight hours.

Suitable strawberry varieties

This method is not suitable for all types of berries. Only self-pollinating varieties with high yields guarantee a large number of berries from one plant. These include:

• Selva;
• Tribute;
• Baron;
• Maria.

If you choose other varieties, the strawberries will bloom, but there will be no berries. Or you will have to carry out the pollination procedure manually - using a brush. To get a good harvest, varieties must be early ripening and resistant to diseases and temperature changes.

Growing strawberries at home

Using Dutch technology for growing strawberries at home is not much different from the greenhouse method. Only the bushes should be placed in a horizontal plane to ensure proper lighting. You will also have to work hard to create optimal temperature and humidity levels.

This method of growing strawberries, when properly organized, gives a stunning harvest. Just keep in mind that such strawberries will never get the taste and aroma that berries from open ground have.

If all the necessary conditions are provided, flowering will begin on the 10-14th day, and after 30-40 days the bushes will begin to bear fruit.

1. Air temperature: around 20... 25 degrees. Before flowering, this indicator can be 18... 21 degrees, when flowers appear - from 23 degrees. Avoid temperature changes;
2. Air humidity: during planting – 80-85%, during growth and flowering – 70-75%. You can maintain the desired level of humidity by spraying the bushes, but during flowering you should avoid this. If liquid gets on flowers or fruits, it can lead to diseases;
3. Length of daylight: 15-17 hours a day. Artificially increasing daylight hours using fluorescent lamps accelerates plant growth;
4. Ventilate the greenhouse daily for 20-30 minutes.

In the first month, the bushes are watered daily, then once every 5-6 days. The peculiarity of watering is that water should not fall on a flowering or fruiting bush, but should go directly to the roots of the plants.

You can connect a separate tube coming from a large bottle of water to each box/pot, or connect them and lower the ends into a reservoir of liquid.

Top dressing

Every one and a half to two weeks, the beds should be fertilized with mineral-containing compounds. Special liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium are suitable.

How to care for plants so as not to lose the harvest? During the flowering period, berry bushes should be treated with fungicides once or twice to protect against diseases.

In such conditions, a strawberry growing business promises to be profitable and bring a stable income to a company or individual entrepreneur. There is a real chance to occupy an empty niche and gain a strong foothold in it.

One of the features of the plant is its unpretentiousness - it feels excellent both in open ground and in a greenhouse. Both methods of growing strawberries are successfully used in our country, and the technology has been thoroughly developed.

In the first option, the costs are minimal, but the yield is highly dependent on external factors. Cultivating berries in greenhouses guarantees high results, but also requires significant initial investment.

Any agricultural production begins with solving the land issue. To grow berries in commercial quantities, you will need a large plot of land.

Of great importance when organizing this type of business is such factors as the composition of the soil and the availability of a water source for organizing sufficient and regular watering.

To organize the process of growing strawberries, you will need equipment and materials:

• seedlings or seeds;
• fertilizers and plant protection products against pests;
• agricultural implements;
• irrigation equipment.

Tilling the soil, planting and caring for them, as well as harvesting from fairly large areas, will require the involvement of a certain number of workers. It is necessary to provide places for workers to rest and eat, as well as facilities for storing inventory and equipment.

Practice shows that in the summer, most of our fellow citizens prefer to purchase berries for food and canning at markets. In winter, frozen strawberries are mainly sold in supermarkets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sMwki2PpbA

It is necessary to agree in advance with representatives of retail chains, shops or supermarkets about the supply of your products.

Necessary equipment

To grow strawberries year-round, you need a greenhouse.

Speaking about the necessary equipment, a novice farmer will need:

• place to install a greenhouse;
• containers for seedlings and containers for growing crops;
• irrigation system;
• good lighting.

Lighting

For a stable harvest, it is necessary that daylight hours last at least 12–16 hours. In the summer you can save a lot by using natural light, but the rest of the time you will have to shell out significant sums for electricity consumption.

LED lighting for strawberries.

Some experts insist on using special phytolamps , but the use of conventional and energy-saving varieties is also acceptable. Standard filament devices seriously increase lighting costs.

The spectrum of lighting devices should be close to sunlight , then after 10 days it will be possible to observe flowering, and after 35–37 days – fruiting of varietal strawberries.

Drip system

Drip irrigation installation diagram.

The drip irrigation system has many advantages:

• localization of water supply;
• reducing evaporation losses;
• elimination of water losses;
• weed reduction;
• maintaining air-water balance;
• simultaneous feeding;
• process automation;
• possibility of use in any soil conditions and topography;
• use in windy weather;
• low energy consumption;
• reducing the level of fungal diseases and infections.

The flow of moisture directly to the root system of the plant does not allow the soil to become waterlogged or dry out. Water does not get on the leaves and does not cause sunburn. The optimal watering level is 3-5 drops per minute.

Scheme for connecting drippers for the vertical method of growing strawberries.

Equipment for installing a drip irrigation system can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can assemble it yourself using the simplest materials at hand.

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse as a business

Strawberries are one of the most delicious berries, always in demand among consumers. The strawberry business quickly pays off and brings good income. True, you have to work for this - the berry crop requires care.

Expenses

When starting a strawberry greenhouse business, you need to calculate the initial costs - you will need a certain amount of capital.

Approximate calculation of land costs:

• the cost of the land plot is 500,000 rubles;
• construction of polycarbonate greenhouses – 500,000 rubles;
• purchase of seedlings - about 180,000 rubles (based on 3 greenhouses, each of which has 1,200 bushes planted at a cost of 50 rubles per piece);
• business registration – 20,000 rubles.

If you have your own plot of land - 1 hectare in size, then you will need 500,000-750,000 less money.

Also, the cost of strawberries includes current expenses. You will have to pay annually for:

• electricity and heating – 25,000 rubles;
• fertilizers, preparations for prevention – 5,000 rubles.
• other costs - 10,000 rubles.

You should also consider the cost of purchasing planting material. If you don’t grow seedlings on your own, you’ll have to buy them all the time.

Sales of products

Selling strawberries is one of the most important stages. Strawberries are a delicate berry; even the most shelf-stable varieties do not last long. You cannot delay the sale - the harvested crop must be sold as quickly as possible. Therefore, sales must be agreed upon in advance.

Sales options:

• Serve in stores, supermarkets, and other retail outlets.
• Hand over to processing plants.
• Sell ​​to restaurants, cafes, etc.
• Organize your own strawberry sales points.
• Delivering strawberries to your home - this option is only suitable for a metropolis.

When and what kind of profit can I expect?

If you choose the right variety, you can harvest up to six harvests in a year. The price per 1 kg depends on the time of year. Let's calculate the approximate profit based on previously accepted conditions - there are three greenhouses.

Estimated income:

• In spring and summer, 1 kg of berries costs 100 rubles. If one greenhouse produces 360 kg, then from three greenhouses you can get more than 100,000 rubles.
• In autumn and winter, the price of berries is three times higher - 270-300 rubles per 1 kg. Accordingly, income increases to 270,000 rubles.

As you can see, growing strawberries in greenhouses can bring enormous profits, and all investments pay off in a maximum of 2 years.

Strawberries are a popular berry and you can make good money selling them. True, you will have to fulfill several conditions - invest a large sum in business development, find markets, select a successful variety, and properly organize the process of greenhouse cultivation and care.

A method of growing berries in a greenhouse all year round: the essence of the method

From the name it is clear that this method was invented and used in Holland .

This technology creates a certain microclimate in the greenhouse, which allows minimizing losses from plant death and disease. Seedlings are also planted all year round.

The main difference from the standard propagation method is that the plant is used once, and after fruiting it is replaced by another. As a result, the greenhouse owner has a constant harvest and no losses from dead plants.

Seedlings must be planted constantly , this is the only way to ensure a continuous harvest. To grow all-season strawberries in greenhouses, you will need specialized equipment.

When choosing a variety, it is advisable to focus on repair self-pollinating varieties. Primary seedlings can be purchased in special stores, and subsequent ones can be grown from the mustache. Seedlings are also grown from seeds, but this is a more labor-intensive process.

The method was invented and used in Holland; seedlings are planted all year round

One of the features of the method is the absence of contact between the fruit and the ground . Therefore, they do not spoil and do not get sick.

To save space, vertical planting is used. This helps to effectively use small areas to obtain maximum profits.

The following varieties have advantages : Selva, Maria, Baron, Gloom, Tribute, etc.

In addition to the obvious advantages, the technology also has its own difficulties :

1. Providing a constant supply of planting material. Seedlings should be present all year round. It is profitable to grow it for small volumes of production, and to purchase it on an industrial scale.
2. Lighting and indoor climate. Daylight hours are artificially extended, and the temperature should be constantly comfortable.

Features of cultivation

To avoid mistakes and get results all year round, you need to take into account the specifics of using this advanced technology.

Plants need stable temperatures. To grow and produce strawberries in cold weather and in winter, the room is heated.

The greenhouse requires regular ventilation and airing.

Strawberries need to be illuminated with phytolamps that provide intense light similar to sunlight. They are placed at a height of 1 m above boxes or shelves. Lighting efficiency is enhanced by reflective materials.

The length of the day is increased to 12-16 hours. This is how they achieve the start of fruiting on the 30-35th day.

The greenhouse is equipped with a drip irrigation system that supplies water to each seedling. It prevents moisture from entering the vegetative parts of the bushes and helps avoid infection with fungal infections. Irrigation combined with fertilizing provides strawberries with complete nutrition.

If the nuances of cultivation are ignored, there is a risk of losing part of the harvest.

Microclimate

A certain temperature regime must be maintained in the greenhouse.

According to Dutch technology, the optimal microclimate is in the range from +18 °C to +25 °C . However, during the period of mass flowering, the air temperature should remain at +21 °C .

Low temperatures cause a prolonged flowering period, while high temperatures cause a low ability to pollinate and form ovaries..

Air humidity

Air humidity is 70–80%.

If there is a lack of moisture, spraying is carried out; if there is excess, ventilation is carried out. Excessive humidity can cause the development of fungal infections, which is why it is so important to monitor this indicator. You can speed up the growth of seedlings by increasing the % of carbon dioxide .

Suitable varieties for growing

To produce strawberries using the Dutch farmers’ method, you need to choose the right varieties. Remontant ones are especially suitable. Their advantage is the ability to self-pollinate. If insects are used to pollinate flower stalks, beehives are placed in large rooms. Artificial wind created by fans is suitable for this purpose.

The following varieties are preferred:

• Darselect. An early ripening variety from France with orange-red-brown heart-shaped berries. Has average winter hardiness. From each bush you can harvest up to 1 kg of crop.
• Marmalade. Two waves of comb-shaped, bright red berries native to Italy. Productivity up to 900 g of berries per bush.
• Polka. The conical berries are deep red in color. Up to 1 kg of large berries is harvested from each strawberry bush.
• Selva. Super-yielding variety from America. The weight of fruits per bush is about 1.5 kg.
• Sonata. Variety from Holland. The berries are large, bright, mid-ripening. Withstands light frosts. The yield is up to 1.5 kg of berries per bush.
• Tristar. Strawberries crossed with Milanese strawberries produce high yields of large red berries. Frost-resistant.

variety “Darselect”

“Marmalade” variety

“Polka” variety

variety “Selva”

variety “Sonata”

variety “Tristar”

The nuances of growing strawberries in winter

The Dutch cultivation method consists exclusively of greenhouse cultivation, while according to the Finnish method, the berries were originally grown in open ground. Only in recent years have the Finns actively begun to use their technology for cultivation in greenhouses.

Strawberries using Dutch technology give very high yields

The methods for growing strawberries all year round are quite simple. To obtain a rich harvest indoors, special equipment is required that will control humidity, lighting and temperature conditions.

Off-season Dutch agricultural technology for growing strawberries was developed to produce a large number of fruits for sale. Using it “for yourself” is fraught with large material costs.

If you want to harvest berries in winter, it is recommended to test your capabilities in small areas. And it’s better to start from a window sill or balcony. In case of failure, the impact on the budget will be minimal.

Strawberries in multi-tiered pots

Step-by-step instructions for growing strawberries using Dutch technology

After a strawberry variety has been selected, planting material, a greenhouse and all equipment have been prepared, you can begin planting strawberries using Dutch technology. If we fully comply with the original source, then in Holland plastic pipes with holes, each up to 2 meters long, are used for plants. They are filled with a special mixture (substrate), and drip irrigation is carried out inside. Holes are cut in the upper part of the pipes into which plant bushes are planted.

In any case, each gardener independently decides which containers to use for work

However, special attention is paid to the quality of the soil mixture. It is based on sterile soil, perlite, mineral or coconut fibers and always peat

Important! You can buy sterile soil in specialized stores or make it yourself. To do this, it is enough to calcine or freeze the soil, eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi from it. The containers are filled with soil and after this planting is possible

A depression is made in the soil and a rosette is planted so that it is flush with the surface of the soil (or bag). The distance between the bushes is from 25 to 30 cm. Strawberries are planted vertically in bags at an angle of 40 degrees at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other (preferably in a checkerboard pattern)

The containers are filled with soil and after that the plants can be planted. A depression is made in the soil and a rosette is planted so that it is flush with the surface of the soil (or bag). The distance between the bushes is from 25 to 30 cm. Strawberries are planted vertically in bags at an angle of 40 degrees at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other (preferably in a checkerboard pattern).

Next comes long and painstaking care for each plant so that it produces a bountiful harvest.

1. Watering should be done regularly. In this case, water should not get on the leaves or berries. The good thing about the Dutch method is that it involves drip (regulated) irrigation. You can make a watering system yourself.
2. To increase the length of daylight, you need to turn on the lamps 2 hours before sunrise and for the necessary time until it reaches 12-16 hours. To avoid doing this yourself, you can equip the system with lighting timers.
3. It is necessary to carefully monitor the temperature. For this purpose, special thermometers and sensors have also been developed to signal a violation. When growing strawberry bushes, the temperature should remain from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, during the growing season from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius.
4. To prevent fungus from developing, the greenhouse must be regularly ventilated.
5. A normal level of humidity can be maintained if the plants are regularly sprayed with spray bottles and containers of water are placed in the corners of the greenhouse.
6. If you have chosen strawberry varieties without self-pollination, you must carry out this procedure yourself (with a brush) or with the help of a fan during the flowering period.
7. At intervals of 2 months, old bushes are dug up and replaced with new planting material. Thus, the harvest is harvested all year round.

If all conditions are met, flowering is observed 10 days after planting the bushes, and after another 35-37 days active and vigorous fruiting is observed. After harvesting, the strawberry bushes are removed, the largest and most powerful of them are left for new seedlings.

Landing

In order for the crop to ripen continuously, you need to constantly plant new seedlings. To guarantee a good harvest, you need to carefully select containers for planting. For example, polyethylene bags should be no more than 0.35 millimeters thick. The advantage of bags is to provide plants with the necessary light. You can also use flour and sugar bags or specialized containers.

Obtaining planting material

Harvesting seedlings does not require much effort, since they can be grown in open ground at the dacha. After preparing the post in the fall, it is ready for planting in the spring. At a distance of about 40 centimeters, you need to plant plants that will get rid of tendrils and peduncles during the first year. Next year, from one plant you can get about 20 bushes ready for rooting. At the beginning of October, when the temperature is zero, the sockets need to be removed and cleaned of soil and leaves.

Horizontal method

In large greenhouses or greenhouses, bags of seedlings are most often placed horizontally. In this case, the strawberries, which are already planted in bags, are placed on the ground on a rack. The rationality of this method lies in the functional use of free space by installing several rows with planted plants.

Vertical method

When choosing a vertical placement method, you must strictly follow the instructions:

• fill the bags with soil and fertilizer;
• tighten the necks of the bags with a rope and hang them in 2 tiers;
• make holes in the bags no more than 9 centimeters wide for planting strawberries;
• install an irrigation and lighting system.

Fixing the bags vertically is an ideal option for small greenhouses, because you can accommodate a larger number of plants.

The process of growing strawberries in Dutch

The method, like any other growing process, includes several stages. To establish the process of growing strawberries in a greenhouse using Dutch technology, you need to do the following:

1. Select a variety for cultivation.
2. Prepare the seedlings.
3. Start arranging the planting soil.
4. Provide care for bushes using high-quality drip irrigation.

Preparing seedlings

Seedlings are constantly needed, because they are changed every two months. Seedlings can be grown or purchased in specialized stores. When deciding to cultivate seedlings yourself, you should follow the step-by-step instructions. It consists of the following stages:

1. Peduncles with tendrils are cut from the mother bushes; next year there will be from 16 to 19 shoots, which need to be rooted.
2. After the previous procedure, the crops are allowed to develop; in the fall they are dug up, placed in a cool place, and stored, ensuring natural dormancy and maintaining the temperature regime (-2°C).
3. If necessary, seedlings are removed from storage, placed in a warm place for 24 hours, and then planted in containers filled with specially prepared soil or mineral wool or coconut fiber.
4. The bushes are watered using the drip method.
5. Subsequently, they are grown taking into account agrotechnical requirements.

The soil for planting mother bushes is prepared in October by adding organic fertilizers, lime, superphosphate, and potassium chloride. In the spring, plants are planted in such a soil mixture, making 40 cm between rows. For containers, the optimal soil is considered to be:

• peat;
• coconut fiber;
• perlite

Seedlings are planted in filled containers with soil according to a checkerboard pattern (25 by 30 cm). It is better not to reduce the distance so that the crops do not lack nutrients; this scheme also reduces the likelihood of obtaining very small berries.

Small plastic bags (up to 16 cm) are considered good planting containers. They are filled with soil, making a distance of 25 cm, holes are cut in them, where the bushes are planted with a slope of 40 degrees. The option of such plantings is very practical, since the bags can be hung in several rows even on balconies, thereby increasing the yield.

A substrate made from a natural soil mixture and synthetic components is ideal. When growing at home, it is not recommended to use a mixture of sandstone with old manure to prevent the development of diseases and the appearance of parasites.

Description of technology

In the climate of our country, it is possible to speed up the ripening process of strawberries - growing them in a greenhouse or greenhouse.

But to ensure that you can enjoy the berries at any time of the year, you can only comply with a number of conditions:

• the presence of a heated greenhouse with the ability to regulate temperature;
• regular feeding of bushes;
• correct selection of seedlings;
• maintaining a supply of seedlings to renew the bushes as needed.

It was Holland that became famous for the invention of the technology for growing and breeding strawberries in a greenhouse, because this country is a supplier of berries in most of Europe.

Principles

The Dutch method of growing strawberries is based on planting plants in closed soil, such as greenhouses, specialized bags, boxes, pallets or pots. You need to decide on the choice of planting site, taking into account the desired volume of the crop and the purpose of planting.

The principle of this method is a kind of awakening of the plant during hibernation by creating conditions for the formation of seedlings. These conditions include providing the plants with a nutrient solution by drip. Receiving a harvest throughout the year has become absolutely possible thanks to the regular planting of new seedlings.

Advantages

This method of growing these berries has become quite popular due to a number of advantages:

• a variety of containers for planting;
• the possibility of using a vertical growing method;
• daylight;
• the ability to grow plants at home;
• frequent harvesting;
• minimal likelihood of plant disease;
• the taste of the berries does not differ from fruits grown in natural conditions.

The above confirms that the Dutch method is optimal for obtaining a large amount of berries all year round.

Difficulties

When using the Dutch method of growing berries, gardeners may encounter the following difficulties:

1. Planting material must be constantly updated. Strawberry seedlings should be kept for a whole year, therefore, if cultivation does not take place on an industrial scale, then you can do without additional purchases, but simply grow seedlings.
2. The need to maintain a special temperature and allow daylight hours.

Despite a number of difficulties, this method is profitable and effective.

The right choice of varieties

Long continuous fruiting is ensured by remontant winter-hardy varieties of Dutch selection. When growing bee-pollinated varieties, hives are placed in large industrial greenhouses in Holland, and the strawberries are pollinated by bees.

In our territories, agronomists and gardeners advise choosing self-pollinating varieties. Preference should be given to varieties:

Growing all year round

How to grow strawberries in a greenhouse all year round?
Growing strawberries in a greenhouse requires certain knowledge and adherence to technology. Then a good result will be ensured. Choosing a greenhouse

This is an important factor, because the greenhouse must meet such requirements as good thermal insulation, light transmittance, strength and resistance to adverse weather conditions.

The most suitable options are glass and polycarbonate. How to build a greenhouse for growing strawberries with your own hands, read on our website.

You can find out more about how to build and strengthen a polycarbonate greenhouse, how to make an arched one, a lean-to (wall-mounted) one, from window frames, or choose a ready-made greenhouse, as well as how to correctly position the building on the site.

Planting material

The final result largely depends on its quality, so it is better to purchase it from trusted nurseries. The second option, which is more reliable, is to grow it yourself from already proven varieties. It is best to select planting material from plants grown in open ground.

To do this, during the summer, select the strongest, best-bearing bushes. Mark them with a stick with an inscription. At the end of July, collect the strongest, well-rooted mustaches with a developed rosette. They can be transplanted to a separate place, so that by mid-autumn (approximately the end of October) they can be transferred to a permanent place in the greenhouse.

Soil preparation

When growing strawberries using Russian technology, the soil is prepared as follows:

• the bottom of the prepared bed is covered with expanded clay or small crushed stone to a depth of 5-7 cm;
• followed by a layer of sand from 8 to 10 cm;
• a layer of fertile soil is laid on top of the sand and fertilized with superphosphate and ammonium nitrate (10 g per 1 sq. m).

Peat can be added to the soil; it will not only give it porosity, but also provide the required level of acidity. In addition to the above fertilizers, you can also add potassium chloride (15 g per 1 sq. m). In Dutch technology, when using pots, the soil must be sterile, non-toxic and porous. You can use steamed peat with sand, coconut fiber, or perlite. The soil must be prepared long before planting strawberries.

Do not use soil for strawberries after potatoes or cruciferous crops (all types of cabbage, lettuce, radishes). The most suitable land is one where cereal plants were grown.

Landing

Planting takes place from late October to late November or late February - early March. To plant rosettes, 8-10 cm depressions are made in the garden bed. The distance between the bushes should be about 30 cm. To avoid long-term adaptation of the plant to a new location, it is best to transplant the planting material by transshipment, leaving more soil on the roots.

When planting, do not cover the growing point with soil. Immediately after planting, the soil is mulched with sawdust to retain moisture. You should not cover the bed with film in the greenhouse; this can lead to stagnation of moisture and rotting of the roots. The first days in the greenhouse the temperature should be maintained at least 25°; subsequently, it can be gradually lowered to 15°.

Photo of strawberries in a greenhouse:

Selection and preparation of strawberry seedlings

Despite the time of year, many agricultural companies sell strawberry seedlings. They often offer a special variety called Frigo. The price for it is always at a fairly high level. But, what is very important, any gardener can produce such seedlings from his own plot. After all, this variety is just like well-grown strawberry bushes. They are dug up in the fall and cooled well. During the winter, strawberry cuttings are stored at low temperatures:

• in refrigerators and freezers;
• in fairly cool basements and cellars.

When the time for planting a new batch of seedlings approaches, they are taken out of storage and planted. There is no need to be afraid that the cuttings will freeze. After all, the same thing happens in nature. Strawberries in open ground also undergo a process of natural preservation when they are covered with snow in winter.

The main task for the farmer is to create a certain artificial environment so that the seedlings go into “deep hibernation.” And if necessary, she was ready to disembark again. These are the main technological processes for growing strawberries using the Dutch method.

When choosing strawberries for seedlings, you should pay attention to self-pollinating species. Naturally, it is best to choose Dutch varieties with high yields:

When planting these varieties of strawberries at your dacha, you will need to cut off all the flowers and tendrils from the mother tubers during the first year. This will help prepare good, strong seedlings for next year. To do this, you need to dig in the tendrils that appear and let them take root.

Starting from the second half of October, when the temperature usually drops to -3 degrees, strawberries will be in “hibernation”. At this moment it is necessary to dig up young cuttings. All large leaves and remnants of shoots must be removed from the bushes. To prevent the death of seedlings, under no circumstances should you manipulate the root of the plant (wash, trim). After this, the strawberries are left in a cold room to continue their “sleep”.

Preparing conditions for growing strawberries

The first thing that is necessary for the good development of strawberries according to the Dutch method is correctly selected and prepared soil. Its yield also depends on the soil in which the berry grows. To prevent the development of diseases and the appearance of pests, you should never take sandy soil with rotted manure.

The best option would be a special substrate mixture based on chernozem and the addition of mineral elements. Such soil will be able to saturate young shoots with the necessary micro and macroelements. For better soil throughput, add to it:

• dried peat – improves moisture absorption and transfer;
• perlite – increases peat aeration.

Often, seedlings are planted in various containers. But the best option for the Dutch method is planting in bags. For this you need plastic bags with a diameter of 15–17 cm. Due to the fact that the bags are not very wide, they can be placed on the windowsill. Then it is filled with a substrate mixture and laid on the floor or on prepared shelves.

What varieties are best to choose?

Dutch varieties are dense, sweet, but have a weak aroma. Domestic varieties have a sweetish-sour taste and a pronounced strawberry smell. Preference is given to remontant large-fruited varieties.

The specific choice depends on the preferences of the farmer or is dictated by customer demand. Among domestic varieties, “Festivalnaya” is the most popular, while Dutch varieties are suitable for absolutely everything.

This is interesting! Red berries are great for whitening teeth. They are much more effective than expensive pastes offered by many companies. To become the owner of a snow-white smile, you need not just to eat, but to chew each berry thoroughly. While enjoying the unique taste of juicy fruits, you can forget about the problem of bad breath, since strawberries neutralize it.

Optimal temperature conditions

The Dutch method involves keeping strawberries at a temperature of 18-22 during the growth period, and between 26 and 28 degrees during flowering. To comply with this condition, the greenhouse must have a special timer with a thermometer.

Berry crops react sharply to rising or falling temperatures:

• An unfriendly harvest and prolonged flowering occur when the thermometer drops below the required 26 degrees.
• A high background inhibits the plant’s ability to self-pollinate and, therefore, does not allow berries to set.

A rise in temperature to 35 and a drop below 12 degrees Celsius is considered detrimental to planting.