Magical strawberry nutrition for a rich and large harvest!

Strawberry yield is primarily influenced by the nutritional value of the soil in which it grows. The first and last feedings are most important, as they allow the plant to build up its strength and develop its root system for the formation of flowers and berries. The primary fertilizer application is the first application before planting, but for strawberries growing in the same location for several years, it's important to use special schedules and formulations. These will maintain the soil's nutritional value and allow the plant to produce a good harvest each year.

Nutritional needs of strawberries

For good fruiting, strawberries require many nutrients, but most of all they need:

• sulfur;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• nitrogen;
• pine forest.

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Iron, manganese, and zinc are equally beneficial. Silicon and humates are required to stimulate growth. Including all of these components helps produce beautiful, large berries.

For strawberry feeding You can use different types of fertilizers:

• mineral (superphosphate, potassium sulfate, urea, magnesium sulfate, plantafol, azofoska, ammophos, fertika);
• organic (compost, manure, bird droppings, herbal infusions);
• natural stimulants (Humate+7, Gumi, Ecorost, FlorHumate, Sakhalin humate, Tellura);
• organomineral based on humus and peat (Gumi-omi, giant, bionex);
• wood ash;
• microfertilizers.

Avoid using fertilizers containing chlorine. Choose formulations that do not contain this element.

The best feeding scheme

Fertilizer application is performed throughout the growing season. A minimum of three applications are required:

• immediately in the spring to increase green mass;
• during flowering and berry formation;
• after fruiting.

Each fertilizer has its own specific purposes that help maintain the nutritional value of the soil.

First feeding

One of the most important fertilizers, It is carried out in early spring. Nitrogen-containing compounds are added. They stimulate the growth of green mass and promote plant recovery after winter.

There are many options for the first spring feeding.

1. Dissolve 2 cups of rotted manure or bird droppings in a bucket of water. Leave the mixture for 2-3 hours. Pour 0.5-1 liter of water onto each bush. You can add 1 tablespoon of ammonium sulfate to the mixture.
2. A concentrate is prepared from bird droppings. It is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. The mixture is left to infuse for 7 days. The resulting mixture is then brought to 15 liters with water.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of nitrophoska to a bucket of water;
4. A bucket of chopped nettles is filled with warm water and left to ferment for 3-4 days.
5. In 10 liters of water, dissolve 1 tbsp. of ash, 1 tsp. of boric acid, 30 drops of iodine.

Manure and chicken droppings should be used very carefully, as too much can burn the strawberry bushes.

Second feeding

A second application of fertilizer is essential before flowering. The plant expends a great deal of energy forming flowers, so it's important to restore the soil's nutrients. Complex mineral fertilizers, primarily potassium-based, are used for top dressing.

You can water the bushes with a nitrophoska solution. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of the solution in a bucket of water. To enhance the effect, add 1 tablespoon of potassium nitrate to the solution. Mix the solution until the fertilizer is completely dissolved, and water the strawberries at a rate of 1 liter per plant.

Third feeding

Fertilizer is applied again at the end of July, when part of the main harvest has already been collected. At this time, flower buds for the next season begin to form, and the plant develops a new root system. A robust plant will more easily survive the winter and recover the following spring.

At this time, it is necessary to add potassium and microelements to the soil.

The following feeding options can be used.

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of potassium nitrate in 10 liters of water.
2. Add 100 g of wood ash to a bucket of water.
3. For 10 liters of water take 1 teaspoon of potassium sulfate and 2 tablespoons of nitrophoska.
4. Dissolve 1 cup of vermicompost in 10 liters of water. Let the mixture sit for 1 day, then dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio when watering.

Watering with either method is done at a rate of 0.5 liters per bush. Fertilizing is done when the soil is moist.

When growing strawberries, fertilizing should be done throughout the growing season. Nutrients perform different functions at different stages of growth. If the soil is not very nutritious, fertilize every two weeks.