Black covering material, which side to lay. Tired of weeding strawberry beds - use black covering material

How to care for strawberries after planting

Caring for strawberries planted under spunbond is minimal.
From time to time, remove weeds that have grown in the holes next to the strawberry bushes. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the bushes themselves

As the strawberry bushes grow, whiskers will appear. They will not cause you many problems, because, unlike traditional strawberry growing, they will not be able to take root when planted under spunbond. They should simply be cut off.

If you have beardless strawberries, then this problem disappears.

How to propagate strawberries that do not produce mustaches Everyone knows that the main way to propagate strawberries is by rooting the mustaches. What to do with strawberry varieties that don’t have whiskers? Multiply!

Caring for strawberries also involves regular watering.

It is important not to overdo it here, because... Garden strawberries do not like waterlogging

To simplify this process, you can install a drip irrigation system. In this case, the berry bushes will receive exactly as much moisture as they need.

A few ideas on how to make drip irrigation at your dacha with your own hands. A drip irrigation system can be bought in a store. But making it with your own hands is not much more difficult and much more interesting, and sometimes much cheaper.

Strawberries planted under spunbond, just like those growing in open ground, need fertilizing. In the year of planting, no additional fertilizer is required, and from the second year, 3 times a season (in early spring, before flowering and after fruiting), water the bushes with infusion of chicken manure (dilute dry chicken manure in water 1:20 and leave for 2-3 days). Use 0.5 liters of fertilizer for each bush. In addition, at the beginning of flowering, it is useful to spray the bushes with a solution of any complex microfertilizer (according to the instructions).

That's all. Now all that remains is to sit and wait for the harvest.

Advantages of planting strawberries under agrofibre

The main and very significant advantage of planting strawberries on agrofibre is that the method simplifies caring for the plant and allows you to spend less time and effort. Few people would give up such luxury, right? But in order to better understand the positive aspects of using spunbond, it is worth talking in detail about the advantages of planting garden strawberries on covering material:

• Black spunbond does an excellent job as a mulching material. You don’t have to waste time mulching the beds with peat, humus, straw, sawdust or anything else.
• Moisture evaporates more slowly and the optimal humidity level is maintained, which allows you to reduce watering.
• It prevents the growth of weeds, so you will save time on weeding beds and rows.
• Harvesting is much more comfortable - the red berries stand out against the background of the agrofibre, and at the same time they are clean, since they do not come into contact with the ground.
• Geotextiles perfectly transmit sunlight necessary for the life of plants, but at the same time perfectly protect them from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
• On bushes that grow on covering material, it is easier and easier to remove the mustaches and control their growth; the mustaches cannot take root.
• During prolonged rains, the berries do not come into contact with dirt and do not rot.
• The beds are protected from pests and fungal diseases.
• The soil in the beds is protected from weathering.

Also, experienced gardeners who have dealt with growing crops in this way more than once claim that strawberries planted on agrofibre take root faster and better, and the harvest volume is larger.

What is agrofibre?

Agrofibre (also has other names - spunbond, agrotextile, covering material) is a non-woven material made from polypropylene. The substance is considered environmentally friendly, so agrotextiles can be used in gardening without fear. Thanks to this property, agrofibre has gained great popularity among summer residents.

A distinctive feature of the material is that it can easily pass water and air. It is not very expensive and can be bought without problems in gardening and construction stores, and in hypermarkets.

Very often, gardeners ask the question “Agrofibre and spunbond – are they the same material?” Yes and no. The fact is that spunbond is made one hundred percent of polypropylene; it is made by melting polymers and subsequent thermal bonding. The photo shows black spunbond:

But agrofibre is a type of spunbond . It is made in almost the same way, but it has an ultraviolet stabilizer that protects against harmful solar radiation. It is also more durable. In the photo there is agrofibre:

That is, when we call agrofibre spunbond, we are not making a mistake, we are simply generalizing. But it is important to understand the difference between them.

How to properly cover strawberries from frost for the winter

The method of shelter depends not only on the region where strawberries are grown, but also on other factors. It is necessary to additionally take into account the age of the bushes and the planting method.

Adult

Mature plants, as a rule, are quite strong enough to successfully survive the winter. The main thing is to build the shelter on time and not be late with the lines. To preserve developed bushes, it is enough to cover the growth point, which is the most vulnerable. In those regions where there is a lot of snow in winter and there are no extremely low temperatures, many do not use additional shelter at all or use light preventive insulation.

Planted in autumn

Strawberries planted in the fall focus all their efforts on rooting and adaptation in the soil. Wintering can become an additional load that berry bushes cannot cope with. To help plants survive the winter, it is better to mulch them on the eve of frost with hay, straw, lawn grass, and stems of annuals.

In light frost, such a shelter will be enough to protect the roots and above-ground parts from freezing, and later the bushes will be additionally covered with snow. In the spring, you will need to inspect the beds and, if necessary, remove some of the mulch; the remaining part of the rotted cover will serve as fertilizer.

young

Young bushes do not have time to get stronger before the beginning of winter, so it is more difficult for them to endure wintering than for an adult plant. To insulate them, it is necessary to use a mulch layer that completely hides the plantings underneath. In cold regions, it is additionally advisable to use a frame shelter with several layers of lutrasil or spunbond.

In the pyramid

Pyramids used for planting strawberries save space on the site, but at the same time have their own characteristics in care. As for winter shelter, the method will depend on the height of the pyramid. If it rises no more than 60 cm above the ground, no additional shelter is needed. The plant will be covered with snow. To cover the top of the head, the snow mass is additionally raked with a shovel. Higher structures should be covered around the perimeter with covering material in several layers. This growing method is most suitable for the southern regions.

How to lay agrospan. Installation stages.

First stage. Soil preparation.

It is necessary to completely get rid of unwanted plants and weeds in the area in which the covering material will be laid. Loosen the soil and level the surface for better interaction with agrofibre.

Second phase. Preparation of Agrospan.

This stage takes place in several stages:

• Moisten the mulching material in water to ensure better water throughput during irrigation. The best choice would be a soap solution, after which you will need to rinse the agrofibre with running water. But you can simply rinse the canvas with water;
• Prepare holes for the desired plants. It is necessary to measure and cut small holes in the right places so that only cultivated plants can pass through.

Third stage. Laying agrofibre for strawberries with holes on the soil.

After all the preparatory stages, all that remains is to lay Agrospan on the soil surface and secure it in an extraordinary way.

Spunbond for strawberries: features of use

Strawberries grown on spunbond will be clean.

This material is often chosen by gardeners for strawberries. It can be either white or black.

It is black spunbond that has more possibilities. It is primarily chosen for controlling weeds and other unwanted vegetation.

The main advantages of using black spunbond for strawberries:

• The berries will not need constant watering, since a sufficient amount of moisture is formed under the coating. Due to its moisture-resistant property, watering is reduced several times.
• There is no need to hill up the soil after watering.
• There is no need to weed the beds every time to remove annoying weeds, since the black covering material perfectly protects the soil from harmful plants.
• The material can be worked in any weather, including cold.
• The product is characterized by increased frost resistance, so plant roots will withstand severe frosts.
• The product has moisture-resistant properties; it does not allow precipitation in the form of rain and accumulated snow to pass through.
• Under the covering material the soil warms up much faster than under other products.
• Spunbond not only protects the plant from weeds, but also protects it from slugs and other harmful insects.
• This type of agrofibre lasts longer than its competitors.

Thanks to the numerous advantages of spunbond, you will finally be able to enjoy a rich strawberry harvest year after year.

Planting strawberries

In order for the berries to grow better and give an excellent harvest all the time, you need to adhere to the following rules:

1. We plant the berry bushes in prepared soil. It must be carefully dug up and nourished.
2. As a feed we use manure or humus in the ratio of 0.5 kg per 20 liters of water.
3. We level the ground with a rake, crushing any large lumps so that the planting site is as even and uniform as possible.
4. Along the perimeter of the area where planting is taking place, we dig a small groove no more than 20 cm deep for the edges of the covering material.
5. Before cutting out the spunbond, measure the area for planting and add 20 cm along the edges, cut it out.
6. The berry bushes will be located at a distance of 30 cm from each other, so we make slits in the agrofibre at an appropriate distance of 7–8 cm in length. We try to make the slits exactly along the line.
7. Now we move on to the groove and place the edges of the agrofibre into it.
8. Fill the groove with the ends of the material to the top with soil and compact it. The material must be securely fixed, otherwise it will be blown away by a strong wind.
9. The area is covered with agrofibre, and now we begin to plant the berries.
10. Through slits in the material, we carefully dig holes in the ground.
11. We place the seedlings in the hole and bury them.
12. We water each berry bush.

By following simple rules, you can achieve a rich harvest without putting much effort into caring for the berries. As you know, strawberries are one of the most demanding plants that require special care. But using spunbond, you can forget about weeding the berries for a long time. You will only need to water the plant.

You can plant this type of berry in summer, spring or autumn, adhering to the special planting rules of the season you have chosen. Planting work should be taken especially seriously in the fall.

How to care for plantings?

Strawberries on spunbond have to be watered much less frequently, since the material prevents moisture evaporation.

• Water the strawberry bushes as needed. We see that the soil is dry, which means it needs to be watered. For each bush, half an 8-10 liter bucket.
• In the first year after planting, there is no need to fertilize the plants.
• We fertilize the berries with manure or humus, starting from the second year from the moment of planting. We use 3–4 kg of fertilizer per 1 square meter.
• It is recommended to fertilize the bushes three times a year - in spring, at the beginning of summer (before the first fruits appear) and at the end of summer after fruiting has ended.

Strawberries should be watered and fertilized carefully, without damaging the spunbond. Thanks to its increased wear resistance, this agrofibre can last for many years, withstanding temperature changes and precipitation. Gardeners change it as needed, approximately once every 3 years.

This type of agrofibre is suitable for all varieties of strawberries. It can be used in all regions of Russia. Thanks to its increased operational capabilities, it will withstand all climatic conditions and ultraviolet radiation.

Types of non-woven fabric for protecting strawberries

For strawberry beds, choose a black non-woven fabric with a high density. The advantages of agrotextiles over polyethylene are obvious:

• due to the porous structure of the material, the earth breathes and receives rain moisture;
• breathability protects against overheating, rot, and overheating;
• Easier to use: easier to lay, fits without creases.

Common name: agrofibre, agrotextile, covering material. The choice is huge, but for strawberries a density of at least 60 units and a black color are suitable. The diversity is explained by the nuances of technology and the brand of the manufacturer.

Trade names:

• Lutrasil;
• Agrospan;
• Spunbond;
• Agril;
• Spunbel;
• Agrotex.

Any of the brands is suitable for covering strawberry beds. Some of them resemble a mesh, others resemble a cobweb, or a fabric with perforations. Made from polymers in different ways. But the very definition - non-woven - explains that the technology has nothing in common with conventional textiles.

Main varieties and selection rules

The densest covering material is agrotextiles; it can even be laid between rows and walked on without fear of damage. But for strawberries it is not necessary to use such a strong material; it is enough that its density is from 17 to 30 g/cm³, which corresponds to the density of thin agrofibre.

See also: Controlling whiteflies on strawberries: timing and methods of treatment

Agrofibre

It is a non-woven fabric made from thin polypropylene fibers fused together using various methods. The result is a light but durable material on which you can plant any vegetables or berries.

Agrospan

It is produced using the same technology as spunbond, but differs from it in higher quality. It comes in different thicknesses and looks like gauze, as it consists of fibers loosely fitted to each other.

Spunbel

The material is intended for mulching beds and killing weeds. Permits moisture and liquid fertilizers, slows down evaporation. Promotes rapid warming of the soil.

Spunbond

Non-woven material produced using a special technology, which bears the same name. Typically, this brand of material is used in agriculture, and other materials made using this technology are also called this way.

Lutrasil

Manufactured by Lutrasil. The characteristics are similar to other covering materials.

Which side to lay black agrotex. Black agrofibre

Agrofibre (non-woven covering material) of black color is very convenient to use for mulching the soil. It has all the positive properties of mulching film without its disadvantages.

It is convenient to work with covering non-woven material and it lasts quite a long time.

Weed mulch fabric has additional valuable qualities:

A very comfortable environment is created for strawberry plants.

Varieties of black covering material

All covering materials have in common the ability to allow moisture and air to pass through.

Agrofibre from various manufacturers is produced using similar technology. Names may differ between brands:

The thickest and most durable material is No. 60 (this is an indicator of high density).

In recent years, a two-layer version (white-black or yellow-black Agrotex) has also become widespread. The lower black side prevents the growth of weeds, and the upper light side protects the roots and above-ground part of the bush from overheating. Two-layer Agrotex is convenient to use on hot southern slopes, in greenhouses and greenhouses, in the southern regions.

The outer white layer of Agrotex protects from overheating, and the inner black layer absorbs sunlight and deters weeds.

Which side to lay white agrofibre. Types of agrofibre

1). White agrofibre - depending on the density, it is used to cover plants, greenhouses and hotbeds.

In particular, white agrofibre can have different densities, which is a determining factor for its area of ​​application. Here is a list of the most common densities: 17 g/m2, 19 g/m2, 23 g/m2, 30 g/m2, 50 g/m2. and 60 g/m2

Material with a density of 17-23 g/m2. used in growing vegetables and strawberries. Density 30-60 g/m2. used in the construction of greenhouses and greenhouses, as well as for covering trees and grapes for the winter with agrofibre.

2). Black, also known as mulching agrofibre, is used to cover the soil before planting various fruit crops. Its main goal is to provide an optimal soil microclimate that will promote active plant growth.

The density of black agrofibre is usually 50-60 g/m2; it has a similar structure and qualities, but is fundamentally different from white in its functions.

Purpose of mulching agrofibre:

• Creating a favorable soil climate for the root system of plants - the canvas slows down the evaporation of moisture from the soil and, due to its black color, attracts the sun's rays as effectively as possible, thereby heating the soil and retaining heat;
• Weed protection - this material does not allow sunlight to pass through, so no plant can get through it;
• Fruits grown in this way will be protected from contamination.

3). Black and white agrofibre is a two-layer fabric, its bottom layer is black and the top layer is white. Has the same purpose as black agrofibre. Its only difference is its ability to reflect the scorching rays of the sun during abnormal heat, and thus the ability to protect the soil from overheating.

How to plant strawberries under black covering material

At first glance, growing strawberries under covering material seems simple. But in fact, to obtain maximum results, you need to strictly follow the technology of planting plants using this technology.

First of all, you need to carefully dig up the selected area and free it from weeds. It is advisable to fertilize the soil with organic matter (humus or manure), as this will have a positive effect on productivity. After this, you can begin to directly form the beds.

The formation of beds also occurs using a certain technology. Firstly, you need to dig a shallow ditch along the entire perimeter of the future site, which in the future will help securely secure the fabric. The soil is leveled with a rake, a hose for drip irrigation is laid out, and the covering material begins to be carefully rolled out so that it fits tightly to the soil.

The edges of the film or agrofibre are secured in the trench with stones, bricks, pieces of boards or sandbags. You can simply sprinkle the edges with earth, but the most reliable fastening is considered to be using special pins, which you can easily make with your own hands from pieces of wire.

Since it is the technology of preparing beds that plays a decisive role in the successful cultivation of strawberries under covering material, we will look at the procedure for preparing them in more detail.

Preparing the beds

Despite the fact that preparing beds for growing strawberries requires some effort, there are clear instructions for this process, thanks to which even novice gardeners can cope with this task (Figure 2).

Preparing beds for growing strawberries includes the following steps:

1. Selecting a site: it is advisable to place the beds on a flat area of ​​the garden or vegetable garden. It is desirable that the ground in this place is evenly heated by the sun and is not sloped.
2. Determining the height of the bed: despite the fact that strawberries can be grown in a regular garden, it is better to create raised beds to increase the quantity and quality of the crop.
3. Soil preparation: the bed needs to be dug up, freed from weeds and their roots, and fertilized with organic or mineral fertilizers.
4. Organizing the bed: you need to make a small depression along the entire perimeter of the site, into which you can later tuck the edges of the agrofibre to fix it. After this, the canvas is laid out on the surface, and its edges are placed in the recesses and fixed by sprinkling with earth or pressing down with bricks or boards. The covering material must be rolled out gradually so that it is evenly distributed over the bed and fits tightly to the soil.

Figure 2. Preparing beds for strawberries
After the film or agrofibre has been laid out on the site, you can begin to directly plant the bushes.

How to plant plants

The advantage of planting strawberries under spunbond in autumn is getting a harvest the following season. The last date for planting is September 20-25. In the southern regions, the procedure can be carried out from October. There must be at least 30 days before the first frost so that the plant has time to take root.

Planting strawberries on covering material does not require the use of special equipment or tools. Laying the canvas is carried out by one person without assistance. To avoid damage, walking on the material is not recommended.

Before you begin the procedure, you need to figure out how to plant strawberries in the fall on covering material, so as not to make mistakes and not damage the canvas. For planting under spunbond, ready-made seedlings and young shoots from strong, fruit-bearing bushes from the previous harvest are suitable.

How to plant strawberries under covering material:

1. Dig up and fertilize the soil. Level the surface with a rake. Remove weed roots.

1. Form beds 20 cm high. Sprinkle with water.

1. Unwind the roll and lay it on the prepared bed with an overlap of 20-25 cm. In increments of 2 m, secure the canvas with improvised means: bricks, wooden slats. You can also use special plastic stakes with a round cap as fasteners.

1. Mark the material using chalk. The distance between the holes should be 25 cm, between the rows - 40 cm. The passage between the beds should be at least 60 cm.

1. In the places where you plan to plant the strawberry bush, cut holes crosswise. The cut should be 10 cm long. If you make more, weeds will begin to grow around the seedling. Fold the resulting corners inward.

1. Plant young seedlings. The depth should not exceed 10 cm. The root system cannot be bent, and the growth point should be left at soil level. Water the seedlings, adding 1 liter of settled water under each bush.

Strawberries covered with covering material take root better in the fall and tolerate winter temperature changes more easily.

Note! For growing under spunbond, preference should be given to varieties with tall peduncles and foliage. A low-growing plant will produce leaves under the material.

Care after landing

You need to care for strawberries after planting them on black agrofibre in almost the same way as after the usual procedure. But as already written above, caring for garden strawberries using covering material is much easier.

In order for agrofibre to last as long as possible, it is not recommended to walk on it. Therefore, you need to make paths between the rows; you can lay, for example, boards, paving slabs, sawdust, straw, or pieces of linoleum. Example in photographs:

For strawberries on black covering material, it is best to use a drip irrigation system. When sprinkling plants with a hose, be sure to use nozzles, because too powerful a stream of water can wash out the soil around the roots. It is not recommended to use cold water; it is advisable to water with settled water.

Regular watering after planting will help the bushes take root faster. For the first two weeks after the event, moisture should be added as the soil dries out. Then about once a week. But in dry and hot weather it is necessary to water garden strawberries about three times a week. The water consumption rate is 10 liters per square meter.

Growing strawberries on black agrofibre is the choice of many gardeners and they are very happy with it. If you haven't tried this option yet, now is the time to do it. Thus, you can compare a regular bed in open ground and planting garden strawberries on covering material, and understand which option you like better.

The use of mulch has become an integral part of modern farming, allowing farmers to get rid of many problems, primarily from such a labor-intensive and endless process as weeding. Black non-woven covering material today is one of the most popular and appropriately used mulching options for many crops, one of the main ones being garden strawberries.

Step-by-step instructions for planting strawberries on covering material

You can successfully plant strawberry seedlings in spring, autumn and summer. This material will provide detailed step-by-step instructions for planting on black agrofibre, and you can use it and hold the event in a convenient season.

How to prepare a site

Preparing the site for planting strawberries on black agrofibre is the key point of the event, because for the next three to four years it will not be possible to carry out any manipulations to care for the soil and the site. You need to prepare the site in advance, for example, if you plan to plant in the spring, then preparatory activities are carried out in the fall, and if you want to plant in the fall or summer, then preparations should be carried out in the spring. This can be done using the following algorithm:

1. Clean the future bed, remove weeds with rhizomes, stones, and any debris.
2. Spread fertilizer around the area. For example, you can use: a bucket of humus, 70 grams of superphosphate, 30 grams of potassium salt, a glass of wood ash (the amount of fertilizer per square meter of area is indicated).
3. Dig the area with fertilizer to a depth of 30 centimeters.
4. Level the area with a rake.

How to lay black agrofibre

Before spreading the black covering material, it is necessary to thoroughly level the future bed again with a rake. You need to spread the sponbond in accordance with the size and shape of the bed that you have prepared for planting garden strawberries. If several pieces of material are used, they should overlap each other (it is recommended to overlap approximately 20 centimeters).

Advice! Before stretching the agrotextiles, it is recommended to water the bed to make it easier to make planting holes.

The edges of the covering material must be temporarily fixed with bricks or other heavy objects. Now you need to securely fasten the agrofibre to the ground. For these purposes, you can buy metal staples-pegs , which are ideal for this task.

Covering material for strawberries against weeds

Using covering material helps simplify caring for strawberries. It practically does not allow sunlight to pass through and prevents the growth of weeds, so there is no need for constant weeding. The soil under such a canvas is in a good microclimate and does not dry out. Also, the soil underneath will remain loose and moist, which creates conditions for collecting earthworms, which will loosen and fertilize the soil. Beds with crops mulched in this way will not need to be further loosened (Figure 1).

Bushes covered with film or agrofibre form more adventitious roots, which make them stronger. The problem of removing excess whiskers is significantly reduced, since they will not be able to attach to the surface of the inorganic fabric. With the help of spunbond, the berries ripen much faster, and they remain clean even after prolonged rains. Lack of contact with the soil prevents the development of rot, which increases yield and preserves the attractive appearance of the berries.

Figure 1. Growing strawberries under cover

The leaves of the plant, which do not have close contact with the ground, are protected from diseases and pests that spread in this environment. In winter, inorganic mulch protects plants from freezing. In addition, spunbond helps warm the soil and root system, which absorbs moisture and retains it in the soil for a long time. This will be relevant in the spring, when there are temperature fluctuations during the day and night. The use of inorganic cloth when growing strawberries has a number of advantages in comparison with organic mulch, which quickly decomposes and becomes a nutrient substrate (needed for the proliferation of fungi and harmful microorganisms).

The use of non-woven agrofibre in weed control has proven itself in garden beds as the cheapest and least labor-intensive method, which has the following advantages:

1. The ability to transmit moisture, air and sunlight, which positively reflects the soil and the beneficial microorganisms living in it.
2. The canvas is made using modern technologies, so it can be used repeatedly over several seasons.
3. The environmental friendliness of the composition does not have a negative impact on the environment and soil.
4. Under black agrofibre material, mold does not form and fungi do not multiply.
5. The material destroys not only young weeds, but also the creeping roots of perennial weeds, which are difficult to remove mechanically.

The popularity of black agrofibre for growing strawberries has become so great that it began to be used not only in personal plots, but also in industrial conditions, for the mass cultivation of berries for sale.

If you also want to start cultivating a crop under a covering material, you should know what type of cover is best to use for this purpose. In general, either black high-density polyethylene film or non-woven material is usually used for growing.

Grow film can be white, black or two-color. The latter type is considered especially popular, as it combines many advantages. Firstly, the light top layer prevents overheating of the soil, creating favorable conditions for crop development. Secondly, the light top coating reflects light well, preventing the formation of leaf and fruit burns, which is especially important in hot climates. In addition, the black inner part of the film suppresses the development of weeds, but does not slow down the development of the root system.

Non-woven material comes in a wider variety of types, although, in essence, they all represent a fabric that allows solar heat, air and light to pass through well. In addition, it effectively protects plants from sudden temperature changes.

It is important that non-woven fabrics have a long service life, about 3-4 years. This period coincides with the maximum fruiting period

After this period, the crop is transplanted to a new place, and the old covering material is replaced with a new one.

Material selection

There are two types of covering materials for mulching strawberry beds: organic and inorganic.

Pine needles are often used as organic mulch. They help keep the root system from drying out on hot summer days, prevent the growth of weeds, and serve as good insulation for plants in winter. Using pine needles gives you the opportunity to enjoy another bonus - the aroma and taste of the berries will noticeably improve. It has been noticed that phytoncides from conifers share many useful substances with berries.

You can also mulch strawberry bushes with straw or half-rotted sawdust.

Straw significantly improves the soil microflora due to the proliferation of Bacillus hay in it, which produces up to eighty useful antibiotics, as well as phytoncides. Therefore, you can forget about root rot forever.

But if you are going to use these materials to cover plants, remember that they decompose quickly and will soon turn into breeding grounds for fungi and bacteria.

Therefore, despite all the advantages that organic covering material has, many gardeners still prefer inorganic mulch, such as plastic film or non-woven material. The color scheme can be different: white, black, two-color and others.

Two-color film is especially popular, since it consists of two layers: outer (light) and inner (black), and each of them performs its own functions. The light layer prevents overheating of the soil, and thereby creates optimal conditions for the reproduction of earthworms and the development of the root system of plants. In addition, the top layer is able to reflect sunlight that falls on strawberry bushes and prevents burns on the leaves. The purpose of the inner layer is to prevent the development of weeds and pests.

As for non-woven material, there are several types. Spunbel, spunbond, agrospan, and lutrasil are used as mulch for strawberries.

Each of these coatings has its own advantages. German scientists did not sit idle, and the result of their fruitful work was this lightweight, durable material of high quality. Its parameters surpass even polyethylene film. The material comes in two colors: black and white. If the first is used primarily for covering greenhouses, then black serves as a mulch covering for strawberries. Using one layer of material allows you to protect plants from frost down to -2 degrees. If you cover the plants with a double layer, they will not be afraid of even frost of -7 degrees.

As for agrospan, spunbel, spunbond, these non-woven materials are made from polypropylene threads using the thermal bonding method. The latest scientific developments are used for their production. Therefore, an ultraviolet stabilizer is introduced into the polymer melt, which increases the resistance of the covering material to solar radiation, which does not always have a beneficial effect on strawberry bushes.

The service life of spunbel and spunbond is 4 years. It is during this period that the peak productivity of the strawberry plantation is observed. After 4 years it needs to be replanted, which requires replacing the covering material.

How to choose covering material

In stores they sell spunbond with a density of g/m2. They are produced in rolls with lengths of 150, 300, 400 m and widths of 1.6 / 2.1 / 3.2 / 4.2 m.

For mulching strawberries in the northern regions, black cloth with a density of 60 g/m2 is suitable, for warm climates - 17-30 g/m2. The dense material is wear-resistant and reliably protects the root system from overheating and hypothermia. If the operating rules are followed, spunbond lasts 2-3 years.

If the task is to protect the plant from the scorching sun and light frosts, then you can use a white cloth. The fabric protects strawberries from washing away the top layer of soil, from rain and birds. For installation, a frame is created, to which white spunbond is attached using staples.

What covering materials for strawberries are used in the fall:

1. White spunbond is used to protect the plant from frost.
2. To protect strawberries from weeds, frost, insects and for mulching - black cloth.

To understand which side to lay the spunbond on, you need to spill water. The side that lets water through faster should be on top.

Features of caring for strawberries when using covering material

Strawberries need to be watered in a timely manner. Frequent watering is not necessary, since the covering material is capable of accumulating moisture. The optimal approach is 1 time/7 days

It is important to ensure that the soil is not too dry. If necessary, the number of waterings should be reduced or increased

• 30 days after planting strawberries, you will need to feed the young plants. For this, it is best to use vermicompost. The product is used in accordance with the instructions. The procedure is repeated after 14 days.
• In the second half of August, you will need to thoroughly water the planted crop and fertilize each bush with wood ash. The optimal amount of this fertilizer is 1/2 kilogram.
• In the first 12 months of planting, it will be necessary to cut off the peduncles and tendrils. This will help the garden strawberries take root better. This also helps to better prepare the plant for the winter cold.
• In the second 12 months, towards the end of the harvest, it will be necessary to trim off the old foliage. This is done for prevention.

A strawberry bed covered with material retains moisture well and needs much less watering.

Prevention

Insects and diseases do not disturb strawberries ripening under the covering material. But for the purpose of prevention, it will be possible to treat the plants with dandelion tincture. To prepare it, you need to pour 1/2 kilogram of greens with a bucket of water and leave for 12 hours. Then dilute the strained infusion with water and pour over the beds.

Dandelion infusion can be combined with garlic infusion. To prepare it you will need 150 dry arrows. The technology for preparing and using the infusion is exactly the same.

Features of planting under cover

Laying agrotextiles on beds with strawberries must be done correctly. This determines how the seedlings will grow and what kind of harvest they will produce. Planting seedlings under fabric has its own characteristics.

Necessary materials

Planting strawberries under agrofibre does not require a lot of materials. First of all, you will have to buy black spunbond. You will also need several bricks or large stones. Or thin boards to secure the fabric to the bed. Nothing else is needed.

Landing dates

The most favorable period for planting strawberries is considered to be early spring. But seedlings are planted in autumn and also in summer. Autumn planting allows seedlings to take root over the winter. During this time, the root system will form, and in the spring the bushes will immediately begin to bear fruit. Autumn planting begins in mid-August and continues until mid-September. In the spring, strawberries are planted after the threat of night frosts has passed and warm weather has settled.

Choosing a landing site

Strawberries are among those crops that are demanding on the planting site and soil composition. The berries are planted in open sunny areas. The bushes should be in the sun most of the day. It will be even better if the bed is made on a hill. It is undesirable for trees with a dense spreading crown to grow nearby.

Preparation of planting material

It is not necessary to prepare planting material for planting. Most often, strawberries reproduce by mustaches, so you need to prepare seedlings from the moment they begin to grow.

To propagate strawberries, female strawberry bushes are used after fruiting. On each bush leave 3 mustaches and 3 rosettes. As soon as the cuttings grow to three full leaves, they are replanted.

Soil preparation

The soil for planting garden strawberries is prepared in advance in the fall. The soil is dug up to a depth of 7-10 cm. The soil is mixed with rotted manure or compost. In the spring, they make beds and plant strawberries.

Landing technology

Scheme for forming beds and installing agrofibre:

• Prepare the soil for planting in advance, mix the soil with manure, humus and wood ash.
• Moisten the soil, rake the soil so that the bed rises above the soil.
• Make beds up to 1 m wide.
• The spunbond must be wider than the bed in order to secure it tightly to the sides.
• Secure it tightly to the sides.
• There can be several methods of fastening. The easiest way to do this is using aluminum or wooden beams onto which the material is screwed. Or you can secure it around the entire perimeter with large stones or bricks.

Planting strawberries in open ground:

• To plant strawberries, you need to mark in advance on the fabric where to make the cuts.
• Make cross-shaped cuts on the fabric.
• Dig holes in the hole and plant seedlings.
• It is not recommended to make wide cuts, otherwise weeds will grow from them along with the strawberries. The cuts are made 10 cm wide.

The corners of the cuts are tucked inward. Strawberries are well watered with warm water. During planting, sockets should be positioned so that they are above the level of the bed.