Growing strawberries is one of the most popular activities among domestic gardeners, despite the fact that the crop requires increased attention and has many nuances. Getting rid of weeds, serious competitors for light and nutrients, is quite difficult, but new technologies simplify this process. Special material for strawberries against weeds, which does not cause harm or inconvenience, is the best alternative to labor-intensive weeding.
Types of covering materials
The following are often used as covering materials:
- organic mulch;
- black mulching cloth;
- dark plastic film.
Mulching is the most affordable method. With its help, you can stop the growth and development of weeds, improve the mineral and organic composition of the soil, and protect the berry crop from fungal diseases.
For these purposes, organic materials such as:
- Crushed bark or wood chips, which retain their properties for 5 years and improve the external condition of the bed.
- Sawdust or shavings, scattered in a thin layer. Requires updating at least three times a year.
- Straw of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous grasses, laid out in a thick layer up to 20 cm. It is worth making sure in advance that there are no seeds in the mulch, since they can attract mice and other rodents.
- Tops of garden and vegetable vegetation without signs of infection by fungal pathogens. Often used to prevent freezing.
- Needles laid in a thick thirty-centimeter layer. Thanks to its bactericidal properties and the ability to control temperature without letting the cold in, it will help strawberries survive severe frosts.
Many experienced gardeners use dark polyethylene to combat excess vegetation. It is inexpensive, easy to use and does its job well. The material can be purchased in reinforced and regular form. In the first case, the film has three layers: the first is a stabilizing layer, silver in color, the second is a reinforcing mesh, the lower part is black, designed to prevent the growth of weeds. Thanks to this structure, the material can last for more than one year. The unreinforced film is made of special high-density polyethylene, which blocks ultraviolet radiation and prevents the development of weeds.Its service life is limited to one year.
According to gardeners, the best weed killer is black agrofibre. It consists of special heat-treated polypropylene threads, due to which it does not react with the environment, prevents freezing of roots and allows air to pass through.
The shelter is environmentally friendly, has a long service life and is resistant to various mechanical influences.
Which one is better to choose?
Each type of material has its own positive and negative qualities and based on this, you should choose the most suitable one.
| Material | pros | Minuses |
| Organic mulch | An affordable and natural product that will protect against temperature fluctuations, complement the composition of the soil, and prevent the appearance of pests, pathogens, fungi and bacteria. | Weeds may appear, short service life, needs updating |
| Polyethylene film | Guaranteed protection from weeds, does not come into contact with cultivated plants, warms the soil, and maintains moisture | Possible condensation and mold, harmful insects, inhibition of soil microflora, freezing, service life maximum 2 years |
| Agrofibre | Ecological material, protects against weeds, overheating, frostbite, ultraviolet radiation and infection with fungal and bacterial infections, ensures air penetration and rapid ripening of fruits, can be used for a long time | High price |
How to plant strawberries under black covering material?
Planting is carried out in spring or early autumn, the day should be cloudy and windless. Before planting, place the seedling in a solution of a growth stimulator and immerse it vertically in the prepared hole.Carefully sprinkle with soil and water so that the liquid does not get under the covering material.
Terms of use
To cover strawberry beds with organic mulch material, you must first prepare the cultivated plant:
- thoroughly loosen and weed the soil;
- get rid of dry leaves and tendrils;
- treat with special chemicals to avoid infection;
- feed the plant using complex fertilizers;
- carry out watering.
The next step is to evenly distribute the mulch so that it does not adhere to the main stem of the bush. In order for the roots to receive a sufficient amount of oxygen, it is necessary to retreat at least 2 cm.
Systematically loosen the mulch for aeration and renew rotten areas.
When using film or fiber you must:
- prepare the soil in advance by leveling it with a rake;
- spread the material, pressing it tightly to the soil, while fixing the ends;
- mark the planting places of the bushes, making oval cuts at intervals of 40 cm;
- Plant berries in the holes.
Important! To prevent the whiskers from penetrating under the cover in the future, pour earth on top of the material.
How to water strawberries under covering material?
Mulching film does not allow water and light to pass through, which is why it is recommended to install a drip irrigation system. Reduce the number of waterings, since the material does not allow moisture to evaporate.
Agrofibre is capable of transmitting water, but immediately after installation, liquid may accumulate on the surface, so for convenience it is worth carrying out drip irrigation.
