When planting strawberries , it is crucial to plant them at the right time. This directly determines their survival rate and subsequent growth, and also affects the yield and profitability of the strawberry plantation. So, when is the best month to plant strawberry seedlings ? Let's find out below.
What month is the best to plant strawberry seedlings?
If strawberries are grown outdoors, the best time is in March or April. However, most strawberries are now grown in greenhouses , which are usually planted in September and harvested in March of the following year.
What are the methods for planting strawberry seedlings?
1. Land preparation and fertilization
Strawberries are shallow-rooted plants, so strawberry gardens should be established in flat, open areas with convenient irrigation. Before planting, the land should be prepared by removing weeds, stones, and other debris. Then, the top 20 to 30 centimeters of soil should be tilled. At the same time, 1500-2000 kg of fully decomposed organic fertilizer should be applied as base fertilizer during land preparation, and the soil should be tilled and harrowed multiple times.
2. Select strong seedlings
Select high-quality, robust seedlings suitable for strawberry production. Generally, the plant should be short and sturdy with few lateral buds, and a total plant weight of over 35g. It should have 5-6 normal leaves, large and thick, with sturdy petioles, and a rhizome diameter of 1-2cm. It should have numerous fibrous roots, with a root system length of over 5cm, thick and white, and free from pests and diseases, etc.
3. Root dipping treatment
Soak the roots of strawberry seedlings in a 1500-2000 times dilution of 25% azoxystrobin suspension or a 1500 times dilution of 25% prochloraz emulsifiable concentrate for 1-3 minutes, being careful to avoid soaking the leaves. Then dip the upper part of the roots that have not been soaked in the solution into the solution, and allow it to drain naturally before transplanting.
4. Planting method
Generally, raised bed cultivation is adopted, with beds about 100 cm wide, 4 rows planted per bed, row spacing of 30 cm, plant spacing of about 20 cm, and furrow width of 20 cm. About 10,000 plants are planted per acre. In areas with high groundwater levels, raised ridge cultivation can be used.
5. Planting at the appropriate time
Once the strawberry seedlings have grown 3-4 true leaves, they can be transplanted. Water them immediately after transplanting to prevent them from dying due to lack of water. When watering, you can mix in a 2000-fold dilution of carbendazim and a 4000-fold dilution of brassinolide to help prevent diseases.
