Agricultural technology for planting strawberries in high beds using Finnish growing technology

It is difficult to achieve high yields of heat-loving crops in regions with short summers. However, organizing high beds for strawberries using Finnish growing technology allows you to do this. This method involves the use of covering material, thanks to which the soil warms up faster, and the crop ripens earlier and takes root better.

Basic principles of cultivation

To grow a crop using Finnish agricultural technology, you will need to purchase a special covering material that mulches the plant. The cultivation method allows you to harvest the first harvest 7-8 weeks after planting.

This rate of appearance of ripe berries is explained by the fact that due to the covering material the soil warms up faster. This method also protects the plant from pests and prevents the growth of weeds.

High yields can be achieved using Finnish technology provided that early-ripening strawberry varieties are used. It is also important to follow the principles of planting. The crop should be placed in the garden at a distance of 25-30 centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Finnish agricultural technology has several advantages over traditional methods:

• a favorable nutrient environment is created due to the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen in the top layer of soil;
• the activity of microorganisms that ensure plant growth increases;
• no weeds;
• a stable level of humidity is ensured;
• prevents rooting of rosettes;
• the presentation of the berries is preserved, since the fruits do not come into contact with the ground;
• the soil warms up evenly.

The only drawback of the method is that to grow using this technology you will need black polyethylene film, which is produced in Finland.

What is needed for the Finnish method?

According to Finnish technology, strawberries are planted in one or two rows. In both cases, a black film (mulching coating) 1 and 1.2-1.3 meters wide, respectively, is used. It is this material that ensures the rapid ripening of strawberries.However, using black film has a number of disadvantages:

• to ensure plant growth, drip irrigation will be required;
• due to high humidity, mold forms under the film and slugs accumulate;
• on hot days, the soil warms up quickly, which will require adding hay mulch to the strawberries.

During frosts, condensation forms under the film. To prevent such a consequence, it is necessary to fill an 8-centimeter layer of sawdust under the material.

In addition to black film, a white coating is used for growing crops. This material does not have the disadvantages listed above. However, when using a white coating, the soil takes longer to warm up, which affects the speed of berry ripening. Agrofibre can also replace black film. The disadvantage of this material is that the soil under the cover dries out faster, as a result of which the strawberries have to be watered more often.

Selecting the right variety

In Finland, when growing strawberries with covering material, the Rumba and Korona varieties are used. Bounty, Honey and Senga Sengana are also quite popular. Regardless of the chosen variety, before planting and forming beds, it is necessary to prepare the garden plot.

Growing rules

The difference between Finnish and traditional growing techniques can be seen in the fact that this method involves the use of covering materials and the organization of drip irrigation. Because of these features, the rules for caring for the crop after planting are changing.

Choosing covering material for strawberries

Black film and agrofibre provide similar results. The first material ensures rapid ripening of strawberries, but requires the organization of a separate irrigation system.Therefore, black film is often recommended for use when planting crops over large areas. Agrofibre prevents the formation of condensation and the accumulation of slugs near the bushes.

But this material helps dry out the soil, as a result of which the plant needs to be watered more often. Therefore, agrofibre is suitable for growing strawberries in small areas.

Choosing a place for strawberry beds

Areas with good lighting are suitable for planting crops. The plant is not recommended to be grown in shaded areas. Lack of sunlight will result in reduced yields and smaller berries. In addition, this will make the strawberries get sick more often.

It is recommended to plant the plant in soil with a low acid content or neutral pH. It is optimal if strawberries grow where legumes or grain crops were previously planted. Areas where no plants have been grown for 2-3 years are also suitable. Planting strawberries next to nightshade crops is prohibited.

Site preparation

Strawberries are planted in pre-prepared soil. To do this in the fall, you will need to add humus, rotted manure and compost (5-6 kilograms), as well as nitroammophoska (35 grams) to the soil (per square meter). Next, the soil is dug up and loosened. Before planting the crop, weeds must be removed.

After spring comes, the bed should be loosened again, breaking up large clods of earth. Then you need to wait one week for the soil to settle.

Organization of beds and irrigation systems

It is recommended to place the beds from north to south. This organization will ensure uniform heating of the plants. The width of each bed (subject to single-level planting) is 90 centimeters.The distance between rows should exceed 65 centimeters.

It is recommended to raise each bed 10 centimeters above the site, adding a sufficient amount of soil. This will ensure better soil heating. In Finland, beds are often additionally strengthened with a wooden frame, which will prevent soil subsidence. To do this, you need to put together boards up to 50 centimeters wide. The wooden frame is then placed on the bed and secured at the corners with high posts.

The second option is suitable for growing strawberries in the southern regions. High beds are better ventilated, thereby reducing the risk of infection with gray rot or powdery mildew.

After forming the bed, it is necessary to organize drip irrigation. To do this you will need a garden hose of suitable length. On one side you need to put a plug that will prevent water from leaking out. Next, you should make small holes along the entire length and dig the hose into the ground to a depth of 5-10 centimeters.

Finally, covering material is laid on the soil. After this, the agrofibre or black film is stretched and fixed in the corners with stones or boards. Holes with a diameter of 30 centimeters are marked on the surface of the material, for strawberries in a checkerboard pattern (if the crop is planted in 2 rows) and in increments of 30-40 centimeters. You can cut through the film and agrofibre with a knife (preferably a stationery knife) or a pointed pipe.

Planting strawberry seedlings in the garden

Before planting, strawberry seedlings should be soaked for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Also, appropriate purchased products are suitable for disinfecting the plant. Strawberries are planted on a cloudy day or before dusk.This is necessary so that the culture has time to take root.

The plant is planted in holes with a depth equal to the length of the root system. You need to pour 500 milliliters of water into each hole. After planting, cover the root system with soil, leaving the center of the rosette free. The plant is then watered again.

Features of care

Strawberries love watering with warm water. To prevent the death of the plant, it is recommended to regularly treat the bushes against pests and remove yellowed or dried leaves.

Fertilizing strawberries

For the first time, fertilizers are applied in the spring, using a mixture of cow manure (1 part) and water (10 parts) or nitroammophoska (1 tablespoon) and water (10 liters). One liter of the resulting composition should be poured under each bush.

The second fertilizing is applied after harvesting. The following mixtures are suitable for this:

• 100 grams of ash and 10 liters of water;
• 2 tablespoons of nitrophoska, a teaspoon of potassium sulfate and 10 liters of water;
• 2 tablespoons of potassium nitrate and 10 liters of water.

For each bush, 500 milliliters of one of the described mixtures is applied. The strawberries are fed with mullein and water for the third time in September.

Watering

The culture requires regular watering with warm water. In this case, it is necessary to avoid waterlogging (waterlogging) of the area.

Treatment against diseases and pests

To prevent infection, the crop is sprayed twice: in spring and autumn. To prevent diseases, strawberries are treated with a solution of 110 milliliters of Fitosporin M and 30 liters of water. In case of infection, it is recommended to spray the crop with a mixture of similar ingredients taken in a ratio of 1:20. For every 10 square meters of area you will need 1 liter of such a solution.