Strawberry is one of the favorite berries of both children and adults. Naturally, in order to get good harvests, this plant needs to be looked after almost all year round. First of all, it is necessary to ensure comfortable conditions and proper soil composition for its growth and development. Appropriate fertilizers play a very important role in this process. For strawberries in the fall there is nothing better than them.
Fertilizers - organic or mineral?
High-quality, environmentally friendly organic fertilizing, according to many gardeners, is better than mineral. And this is correct, but only subject to their competent use. For example, manure is an excellent autumn fertilizer for strawberries. In fresh form, this substance contains a significant amount of nitrogen, which contributes to the improvement of the soil structure, but it is not rich in phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements. Fresh manure can not be applied directly under the plants, since it, firstly, contains weed seeds, and secondly, it can burn the roots. In this regard, manure is introduced in an amount of about 400 kg per hundred square meters for digging every 2.5-3 years, because its effect lasts up to 4 years. It is even better to use humus (rotted manure) as a fertilizer for strawberries in autumn. This is an excellent top dressing, safe and already cleared of weed seeds. In humus, fungi and bacteria form, transforming nutrients into forms that are absorbed by plants.
How to calculate the dose of fertilizer for strawberries in the fall?
Packages of complex fertilizers usually indicate their application rates for specific crops. At the end of the summer, it is naturally necessary to purchase a feeding product with the inscription “autumn”, as it does not contain nitrogen. If there is no dosage information on simple potash and phosphorus fertilizers , then the following formula should be remembered: simple powdery superphosphate is applied in the fall or spring to the holes (2-3 g each) and to the row spacing (about 150 g for every 10 linear meters). The rate of double granular superphosphate should be halved. Due to the high chlorine content, potassium salt and potassium chloride must be brought into the ground in the fall: chlorine, which is harmful to plants, is washed out by sediments, and wholesome potassium remains in the soil. The average rate is from 10 to 20 g per square. m
Planting strawberries in the fall. Fertilizer
Autumn strawberry planting has several advantages, and the most important of them is the opportunity to get a good harvest in the first year. This plant can not be called too demanding on the soil, however, experienced gardeners never ignore the issue of soil mechanical composition. If the soil is heavy and clay, then in the autumn it is recommended to introduce fresh manure, humus and peat (10 liters per 1 square meter) to improve its aeration, as well as fertilizer for strawberries. The soil for planting the plant should be good, but not excessively moistened so that the strawberries do not begin to rot. Regular loosening and mulching with straw, needles or mowed siderates will help to avoid excessive moisture. However, in late autumn, mulch material, except for needles, must be removed. Needles can safely be left for the winter and even cover plants with it completely, as it retains heat well and allows air to pass through at the same time.