How to properly plant and care for strawberries using the Frigo method

When growing plants, farmers try to use innovative methods and technologies that are aimed at increasing yields and improving the quality of fruits. Strawberries are no exception. There are many methods for breeding this crop. Growing strawberries using the Frigo method is considered an innovative technology that has many advantages.

Description and characteristics of Frigo strawberries

Translated from Italian, “frigo” means “cold”. The technique of the same name involves the use of low temperatures. The main objective of using this method is the ability to grow plants all year round.

When using the Frigo method, young plants are provided with a long period of rest. Thanks to this, it is possible to use planting material at any time. Such conditions are created with the participation of cold.

Classification

There are several varieties of this technology. Each of them is characterized by certain features.

Class A

Crops from this category are used in small areas, since each plant produces only 2 peduncles. At the same time, it is possible to get the first fruits within 1 year after planting. From 1 hectare it is possible to collect 4 tons of berries. The diameter of the fruit neck is 12-15 millimeters.

Class A+

This is a fairly popular category, the fruits of which can be stored for a long period of time. If optimal conditions can be created, 10 tons of fruit can be obtained from 1 hectare of plantings. The diameter of the berry neck is 15-18 millimeters. At the same time, they produce 2-3 peduncles. Plants from this group are characterized by abundant flowering and high productivity. That's why they are used for commercial purposes.

Class A+ extra

This category includes seedlings of the most expensive strawberry varieties. Their yield reaches 20 tons per hectare. The diameter of the neck of such fruits is 20-24 millimeters. In this case, up to 5 peduncles are formed on 1 bush. Berries appear on the main and side shoots. Already in 1 year of cultivation, it is possible to obtain 500 grams of fruit from the bush.

Class B

This category includes varietal types of strawberries that differ significantly from previous varieties. All plants have only 1 peduncle.However, they bear fruit only 2 years after planting. At 1 year, it is recommended to cut flower stalks from the bushes. The diameter of the neck reaches 8-12 millimeters. Crops from this category are used for growing on small farms.

Pros and cons of the variety

The main advantages of this technology include the following:

• high yield parameters;
• fruit ripening 8-9 weeks after planting;
• healthy planting material;
• excellent survival rate of seedlings;
• a large number of varieties;
• Possibility of harvesting all year round.

However, the method also has certain disadvantages:

• high cost of seedlings;
• the presence of precocious characteristics only in the first year.

Features of growing a plant

To achieve success when cultivating strawberries using this method, you should follow certain recommendations.

Landing dates

Packaged seedlings of such strawberries can be stored for a long time. After opening, the plant will have to be planted immediately. Beds for bushes should be prepared in advance. They are placed in open ground from April to August.

When growing crops indoors, planting work is carried out throughout the year.

Choosing a place and landing

It is recommended to plant strawberries using this method exclusively on flat areas that are cleared of weeds. The formed beds should rise 20 centimeters above the ground. This will help prevent the roots from being flooded by groundwater.

When planting strawberries, it is recommended to maintain an interval of 35 centimeters between bushes and 50 centimeters between rows. It is recommended to make a deepening of a maximum of 15 centimeters.

When planting a crop in the ground, you should carefully straighten the root system.It is important to control the absence of tangled roots. The heart of the bushes should be above the ground surface. To keep the soil moist for a long time, it is recommended to cover it with a mulch layer.

Tips for caring for crops

In order for strawberries to develop normally, they need to be properly cared for.

Watering frequency

When growing a plant using this technology, it is important to sufficiently moisten the soil. Therefore, in the first 7-10 days it is necessary to constantly water the beds. This is done every 4-5 days. During flowering and immediately after completion, the amount of watering is reduced to 1 time per week.

Fertilizer application

After applying fertilizing, before planting, the next fertilizer is applied during the formation of the ovaries. To do this, you should use urea, mixing 15 grams of the product with 10 liters of water.

After fruiting is completed, it is recommended to remove the mulch layer and apply 500-800 grams of complex fertilizer per 1 square meter under the bushes. Instead, it is permissible to use potassium sulfate.

Preparing for winter

To extend the period of flower bud formation and protect crops from frost, it is worth covering the plantings with perforated film or lutrasil. If you leave the insulation until flowering, you will be able to increase yield parameters and speed up the ripening of fruits.

Protection from diseases and pests

If agrotechnical recommendations are violated, strawberries may suffer from various diseases:

1. Gray rot is a fungal infection that is accompanied by the appearance of brown spots on the fruit. To prevent the spread of the disease, affected berries should be destroyed. Copper oxychloride will help cope with the disease.
2. Brown, brown or white spotting - with this disease, the leaves are covered with spots of the corresponding shade. Copper oxychloride helps to cope with pathology.
3. Powdery mildew - this fungal infection leads to damage to all above-ground plant fragments. In this case, the damaged parts become covered with a white coating and begin to rot. Sulfarid helps to cope with pathology.

Strawberries may also suffer from pest attacks. It is susceptible to attacks by slugs, centipedes and snails.

If the bushes are seriously damaged, you should use Metaldehyde. It is placed on the surface of the soil after harvesting the fruits. It is best to carry out the procedure at the end of September.

Harvesting and storing strawberries

The harvest period is determined by the crop variety. The first fruits can be obtained 8-10 weeks after planting the bushes. Then they need to be watered again and wait for the next fruiting.

It is recommended to remove the berries from the bushes with stalks and carefully place them in boxes. They can be stored in a cool place for several weeks without loss of taste and external characteristics. If there is a need for longer storage, the fruits are frozen or prepared from them.

The berries are actively used for making jam, jam, compote, and jelly.

Using Frigo technology for strawberry cultivation has a number of advantages. This method allows you to get a bountiful harvest at any time of the year. At the same time, the bushes need complete and high-quality care.