How to grow strawberries on the balcony: varieties, conditions, care

04/20/2018 Anastasia Prozheva

It is convenient to grow strawberries on the balcony, because the containers with strawberries do not take up much space. Strawberries are rich in vitamins, and they are so lacking in winter. Many people, even living in high-rise buildings, cultivate strawberries on the balcony. There is nothing difficult in this, the most important thing is to know the rules and strictly follow them. Some varieties of strawberries and strawberries get along well in ordinary flower pots or in special containers. You can grow them all year round. Among the most common varieties that are grown on the balcony are the following: "Domashny Delikates", "Sarian", "Alyuba", "Elizabeth II", "Alpine". Growing strawberries is carried out from seeds or seedlings.

Garden bed

Berry bushes growing on the balcony cause delight and bewilderment - despite the simplicity, this practice has not become widespread, most likely due to far-fetched difficulties. In fact, growing strawberries on the balcony will require:

• container for planting;
• seedlings;
• soil;
• irrigation system.

If the balcony is located on the south / southeast side, lighting problems will not affect you. But how to grow a sissy "northerners" or living "in the west"? In this case, you will need additional illumination with cold glow lamps:

• LED;
• luminescent;
• phytoluminescent (ideal, but high price).

Such a phytolamp will illuminate an area of ​​0.4 - 0.7 m2

What to plant

To an inexperienced person, it may seem that any variety is suitable if only the berries are ripe, but it turns out there is such a strawberry that can be grown in such conditions, but you should refrain from the other.

The choice should be based on the following basic properties of the plant:

• yield in low light;
• long fruiting period;
• self-pollination ability.

On cool balconies, constantly in the shade / partial shade, the variety "Elvira", "Brighton", "Temptation" or "Juan", which has the ability to adapt to adverse conditions, will feel comfortable.

The remontant strawberry, which has been growing in one place for several years, multiplied by a mustache, and gives 2 harvests per season, enjoys well-deserved popularity. The true queen among this species is the “Queen Elizabeth” variety, which bears abundant fruit all season.

The structure of the remontant strawberry bush

If your agronomic self requires the perfect, this request can be satisfied by ampelous strawberries - the rosettes formed on the antennae, in addition to the roots, also form flower stalks. If you plant such a miracle in a flowerpot or put a mustache along the guides, you may get the impression that the strawberries are curling.

It seems that the photo is a curly strawberry.

Pollination is carried out by insects and wind, and such conditions may not exist on a glazed balcony. In this case, self-pollinating varieties are suitable, for example, "Lord", "Supreme", in other cases, pollination can be done with a brush (by the way, a very soothing procedure).

Where to plant

In this matter, a certain freedom of creativity is possible, which can be limited only by the area of ​​the "vegetable garden"

It is extremely important to achieve the stability of the structure so that it is not knocked down by a strong wind or by a careless movement you yourself do not overturn

A stable foundation above all else

The leading place is occupied by pots / pots, boxes, containers of various designs. The original methods include using pipes or growing strawberries in plastic bottles on the balcony. The minimum size of the pot should be 15 x 15 cm - sufficient for one bush, in a large capacity more bushes can be planted in 15 cm increments.

Strawberry cultivation options

Plastic bottles are mounted on a pyramidal support, on a wall in a horizontal or vertical position. For vertical use, they are cut in half and a plant is planted in both halves, in horizontal ones, before planting, a hole is cut out in the wall of the body.

The shape of some of the containers, which have corresponding dimples, allows the creation of vertical beds. This can also be done from ordinary flower pots - a large pot of earth is taken as a base, on which a smaller one is placed, etc., as far as possible.

Pots for vertical compositions

An interesting way to grow strawberries on the balcony, not in pots, but in bags made of spunbond - breathable agrofibre. The water tank is located on top, and water and top dressing flow down the hoses into the container. The bag is hung at some distance from the wall so that the walls do not get damp from the excess moisture.

How to keep strawberry bushes in winter?

Keeping strawberry bushes in the winter is not a problem. All you need to get hold of are two different sized drawers and styrofoam. You can place them both on the insulated balcony and in the pantry.

Place the pots of strawberry bushes in the prepared smaller box, and on the bottom and sides of the second place the layer foam 5-6 cm. Place a small box with a plant in a large one. Add filler to the sides if needed. Cover the greenery with paper or sawdust.

It is important to check the soil from time to time for humidity and, if necessary, water. It is also recommended to ventilate the plants during warming so that they do not rot.

As soon as the temperature rises, you can take the strawberries out onto the balcony and open them. When lowering, it is recommended to cover the seedlings (if the balcony is not glazed).

Strawberry is a versatile plant that can delight not only with its taste, but also with its attractive appearance. If you want to see her not only in the garden, but also at home, no problem. It is only important to adhere to the recommendations of experienced specialists, not to be lazy, and then you can create a real strawberry paradise on your own balcony or windowsill.

Sweet berry all year round

Garden strawberries, often popularly referred to as "strawberries", although they are the last relative, but far from the closest. This name was adopted in science, starting from the 18th century, for Muscat strawberries (lat. Fragaria moschata, syn. Fragaria elatior). Strawberries and strawberries are different biological species with a common ancestor.

The second misconception, which is widespread, is that garden strawberries give us berries. The fruits that we love so much are not berries. This is an overgrown receptacle with nuts located on its surface - “seeds” of strawberries.

Strawberry is a rather ancient plant in origin, which primitive people feasted on sunny meadows 70 thousand years ago. She was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The truth is in the wild. Strawberry (garden strawberry) was introduced to the culture in Europe during the Early Middle Ages.

Since then, she has made a triumphant march through the gardens and plantations around the world. Breeders have made every effort to make the berry, beloved by millions, larger, sweeter, and more productive.Varieties have been bred that can bear fruit all year round - remontant strawberries, as well as ampelous varieties - giving whole bunches of berries on stems hanging down.

Which variety you choose is a matter of taste.

Autumn care for garden strawberries, preparation for winter, pruning and shelter

Experienced gardeners know that autumn care is a must for a strawberry plantation. Only strong bushes of garden strawberries (strawberries) will be able to withstand the frosty winter and give a good harvest next season. Therefore, in the fall, strawberries are watered, fed and a number of important procedures are carried out, which will be discussed in our article. We will also mention how to properly prepare strawberries for winter in Siberia, the Urals, in the middle lane and in the south of Russia, since autumn preparation in different regions has their own nuances.

Preparatory work for growing

Preparation for planting strawberries begins with the acquisition of high-quality planting material. Since the plant reproduces with tendrils, sockets can be ordered at the nursery or purchased on the market. Seedlings are purchased from July to September.

When buying, pay attention to the following signs:

Selection of containers for growing

Strawberries can adapt to any type of container: from round, 15–20 cm in diameter for single plants, to large rectangular pots for several bushes.

It also grows well in hanging planters and upright planters, which are containers with a growing medium and several small pockets on the sides for growing plants. Given that the planter is not convenient to water, most gardeners prefer to purchase regular containers and pots.

Soil for growing strawberries

Plants need a nutritious soil. It can be a mixture of turf and humus. The optimal proportion is 1: 1. It can also be a potted flower mixture. Before planting, the pots are washed with detergent. If they have already been in use, then they are disinfected.

Drainage is laid at the bottom, and then the soil mixture to half the pot. Plant a plant. Top up the container with soil so that the neck of the rosette is above the soil.

Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of bright sun. Water as needed to keep the soil slightly moist. Apply water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks - from late spring to late summer.

It can be "Nitroammofosk" in the amount of 1 tbsp. spoon for 5 liters. water. The best type of fertilizer is considered balanced. In them, the ratio of parts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be the same. For example, 10-10-10 (%).

Did you know? When eating strawberries, some people have an allergic reaction. Its most common form is oral allergy syndrome. An allergen is a product of the biosynthesis of a red pigment substance. Therefore, such people are recommended to use white varieties of this berry.

Seed preparation before planting

Each strawberry contains over 200 seeds. Unfortunately, not all varieties of this berry are propagated by seeds. Hybrids are grown vegetatively, and species are grown by seeds. Unlike hybrids, remontant varieties are grown from seeds.

They are sown in March, and in regions with cold climates in April. A box with soil is prepared for sowing. Seeds are spread over the surface of the soil and lightly sprinkled with sand on top. I spray with water from a spray bottle and cover with a film.

Seedlings will appear in a few days.

The seed box should be placed in a place where there is "a lot" of sun. You can put it on the balcony. When they have about 6 normal leaves, transplant the plants to a permanent location.

Capacity and composition of the soil

As containers you can use plastic containers, boxes or polyethylene bags (preferably white). The use of the latter is preferable for growing strawberries at home, since they are more like beds, that is, they are close to natural growing conditions. Bags should be up to 20 centimeters in diameter, no more than 2 meters in length from a film with a thickness of up to 0.3 mm. No more than three bags should be placed on one square meter.

One way to grow strawberries on your balcony or at home all year round

The composition of the soil is important... Loamy soils are most suitable for strawberries. You can make a suitable mixture of the substrate yourself by mixing earth, humus, peat, sand, sawdust.

Humus adds fertility to the earth, it is obtained from a variety of organic decomposition.

Peat is one of the clean substrates that retains water well. When composing the soil mixture, a glass of ash is poured into each bucket of peat.

Earth, humus and peat are taken in equal quantities.

When using sawdust, they are initially prepared, soaked in a urea solution. To do this, dissolve two tablespoons of urea in three liters of water. This solution is enough for ten kilograms of sawdust. Withstand for two to three hours, add chalk or sand (one glass) and knead well.

To achieve the desired looseness of the soil, three parts of sawdust are taken to ten parts of the earth.

Sand is best used coarse-grained without clay impurities... Added in small amounts (one part to ten parts of soil).

Having mixed all the components well, they are placed in containers selected for seedlings and watered with a solution prepared according to the following recipe:

• Copper sulfate - 0.5 tsp;
• Mullein - 1 glass;
• Water - 3 liters;

Important: When growing strawberries on a windowsill, you should also take care of disinfecting the soil so that diseases and parasites do not develop in it in the future.

How to plant strawberries on the balcony

The soil is ideally neutralized high-moor peat mixed with vermicompost one to one. The color of such a land is reddish.

Do not plant the seedlings too deep, new leaves will not appear, if it is not enough to deepen, the roots will dry out. Usually planted, burying half of the rhizome, so that the leaves and buds remain at the top. Saplings should have 5-6 leaves or more. For better rooting, they are treated with a solution of heteroauxin, 1 tablet per 5 liters of water, pour into the hole and water the plant, after planting. The surface of the earth after planting must be mulched.

Keep the soil moist, but the pallet must be dry, do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Seedlings are planted in early to mid April, or in September. You can not plant strawberry seedlings in the ground where other crops have grown before, strawberries are very susceptible to diseases, they need fresh, clean soil, fertilized before planting, or cooked, as mentioned above.

Autumn treatment from pests and diseases

During the growing season, strawberries are affected by various diseases and pests. During fruiting, processing is not recommended, but in the fall, the strawberry plantation must be processed. To do this, use a 1% solution of boric liquid or special preparations, which can now be bought at any store.

Opponents of chemistry for processing strawberries use folk remedies:

1. A solution of ammonia (4 tablespoons per bucket of water).
2. Brilliant green solution (for 5 liters of water - 10 drops).
3. Pour 500 ml over each bush infusion of horse sorrel (insist 3 days).

We equip a balcony for a plantation

Before you start planting seeds, you need to do some preparatory work on the balcony. First, it will be determined in what way strawberries will be grown on the balcony: classic - horizontal or vertical.

The vertical method of placing strawberry bushes is more rational, it allows you to place a much larger number of strawberry bushes per unit area than with the horizontal one. No special hardware is required.

1. Plumbing pipe 2. Filler 3. Shaft 4. Holes 5. Strawberry bushes

Plumbing pipes ∅110 mm serve as the planting container. A piece of the required length is cut from the pipe. On the one hand, a plug is installed - the future bottom of the vessel. Several holes ∅5-8 mm are drilled in it to drain excess liquid. In the pipe walls with a wood crown ∅50 mm, holes are drilled in a checkerboard pattern - the planting sites. Two adjacent holes on the pipe should not be located closer than 30 cm from each other, so that overgrown plants do not block the light below the growing ones. In a horizontal section, there should not be more than 2 holes at one level. Otherwise, the pipe walls will be weakened and the structure may break. The second pipe ∅40-50 mm. the length should exceed the pipe of a larger diameter by about 15-20 cm. One plug is also installed on it, and along the length, with the exception of 15-20 cm, the end free from the plug, a lot of holes ∅2-3 mm are drilled. A pipe of a smaller diameter is inserted into a pipe of a larger diameter. The large pipe is filled with drainage and soil, and the inner pipe is used for drip irrigation of the plants. Thanks to the perforation along the entire length of the pipe, water flows evenly to all plants, regardless of the layer on which they grow.

You can arrange a pyramid, which also significantly saves the area of ​​the balcony, but not as rational as a vertical structure. The pyramid is arranged from 3-4 boxes inserted into each other. The dimensions of the outer box should be 15-20 cm on each side larger than the dimensions of each subsequent box inserted into it, and the height of the inserted boxes should be 10-15 cm higher than the height of each previous one.

This design is extremely stationary, as it is very heavy. It grows berries that yield in the first season, or perennial, but subject to reliable winter insulation of the entire pyramid. The material for the manufacture of boxes can be wood (boards) or sheet plastic. Plastic is preferable - fungi do not develop in it, and it is not subject to decay.

Racks with rings and hooks for attaching pots with ampelous strawberries can be of various designs and heights. The convenience of the design lies in the fact that it is mobile. Strawberry pots can be removed from the holders and moved to the apartment with the onset of cold weather. The pots can also be hung from the balcony ceiling (if there is one), or on the walls.

Do I need to feed strawberries?

Any plant grown at home needs feeding. Being in the open ground, strawberries receive all the substances necessary for growth directly from the ground. Therefore, you should take care of the availability of such, if you plan to engage in her breeding in pots.

Fortunately, you can find the right fertilizer for fruit-bearing plants such as strawberries in modern stores. The first feeding should be done during watering, immediately after the first buds have been seen. It is recommended to use the full dose, but only half of it - 100 g. solution.

The next feeding is needed after removing the first berries. Do not increase the dose, the same proportion will be enough as during the first procedure.

If you are worried about harmful substances and nitrates, we will immediately reassure you - not worth it. The fact is that fertilizer affects the plant as a whole, and not its berries. You can eat them without any problem.

Growing both strawberries on the balcony and strawberries is not a laborious process, but it requires attention.Well-created conditions, timely fertilization and watering guarantee you an attractive plant, and most importantly - its juicy, aromatic and mouth-watering fruits.

Strawberry varieties for growing on the window at home

A common mistake is to buy greenhouse varieties for growing strawberries from seeds at home. Only remontant varieties that are insensitive to the length of daylight hours and temperature fluctuations in the apartment are suitable. Ampel varieties that are sown in hanging containers and pots are also perfect.

In order to delight the family with balcony strawberries all year round, you should pay attention to the following well-proven remontant varieties:

• Supreme - self-pollinated and high-yielding, fruiting period of 9 months, starting in May. During the season, 1 bush gives up to 2 kg of berries, each of which weighs about 40 g.
• Geneva is a large-fruited, spreading American cultivar. Berries weigh up to 50 g, cone-shaped with pronounced ribbing. It can grow in one place and bear fruit for 5 years.
• Queen Elizabeth II is a variation developed by Russian breeder Mikhail Kachalkin. The cultivar is not sensitive to the length of daylight hours. Flowering and fruiting occur one after another with an interval of 1 month from June to November. The berries are large (up to 50 g), very shiny.
• A homemade delicacy - a hybrid ampel variety bred for hanging boxes. The peculiarity is the abundant formation of a large number of small, strawberry-like berries, very sweet and aromatic.
• Tristan is a very decorative ampelous hybrid with flowers not white, but crimson. A compact bush gives shoots up to 1 m long, on which flowers bloom, and later grows up to 100 berries of a strongly elongated shape per season.
• Selva is another American variety that gives up to 9 months of the year almost perfectly shaped berries weighing up to 80 g. You can plant pots and hanging boxes. The berries are distinguished by their high density and keeping quality.

Agrotextile

Currently, one of the best materials for covering strawberries for the winter is nonwoven fabric. Agrotextiles with a thickness of 23 g / m² are best suited for this purpose. Preparing strawberries for winter in the fall in the Moscow region using textiles is a proven method. The material mimics the natural protection of the snow cover.

It is permeable to water, protects strawberries from dry winds and ensures proper gas exchange. The use of agrotextile accelerates the fruiting of strawberries and guarantees the best quality berries. With proper use and storage, non-woven agrotextiles will last for many years.

Seedling growing methods

There are two ways that are equally suitable for growing plant seedlings:

Buy ready-made seedlings, preferably from professional producers, and not on the market, or by ordering seedlings on a dubious announcement and receiving them by mail

Please note that in order to obtain a fast and rich harvest, plants must have a strong root system; Grow it yourself, which is not very difficult .. The first way will save your physical costs, and the second - economic

The first way will save your physical costs, and the second - economic.

Growing strawberries from seeds

In order to grow high-quality strawberry seedlings from seeds, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Responsibly approach the choice of the initial material - seeds. Take a few varieties, not necessarily expensive ones. If possible, select remontant, mustacheless species, this will save you the unnecessary trouble of eliminating unnecessary whiskers and increase the period of harvest;
2. Seeds should be sown from the end of March, beginning of April, but at such times, plants usually do not form berries in the first year of growth. Therefore, to get a quick harvest, try sowing in early February;
3. The soil should be sufficiently loose, light (you can add sand) and highly fertile;
4. It is better to sow strawberries using plastic containers, making small holes in the bottom in advance;
5. Having poured the earth into the container (not reaching 2 - 3 centimeters to the edges), you just need to compact and level it a little (you should not ram it). Lightly water the prepared soil;
6. Spread the seeds evenly over the area of ​​the container and, if possible, cover the space remaining on top with them with snow;
7. Cover the container with a lid, if it is not there, tighten it with plastic foil and send it to the cellar (you can use a refrigerator). She will stay there for about two weeks. This will be the so-called botanical stratification imitating natural winter conditions. This is done to facilitate and enhance the emergence and rooting of plants;
8. After the expiration date, the container is placed on the windowsill (or other selected surface), the lid (film) is not removed. Do not immediately make abundant watering. Subject to all the rules, seedlings should be expected in 15 - 25 days, depending on the variety of strawberries;
9. As soon as shoots appear, you need to start making holes in the lid. Be sure to monitor the moisture content of the soil (a transparent container will help with this). Open the container for a short time to ventilate;
10. If the seedlings are thickened, you need to thin them out immediately, when the third true leaf appears, a pick is carried out;
11. Before transplanting strawberries to a permanent place, no additional feeding should be carried out.

Growing strawberries from rooted shoots

In the garden, strawberries are grown by rooting young plants grown on the internodes of the whiskers. Young bushes release roots, not yet in contact with the ground, you just need to press them to the soil, and they will immediately grow. This is the natural and simplest method of propagating a crop, and if it is possible to obtain quality material for planting, you can use it.

Benefits of growing rooted strawberries:

• A fully developed plant is planted;
• The complex process of collection, stratification and germination of seeds is excluded;
• The picking and transplanting procedure is bypassed;
• Harvested in the year the strawberries are planted.

You can plant strawberries with bushes all summer long, as soon as it becomes possible to get planting material. Many gardeners trim the mustache to prevent it from taking root in order to thin out the strawberry plantings. You can take advantage of this and take young shoots for cultivation on your balcony.

Which varieties are the most suitable for growing

There are no special varieties suitable specifically for landing on the balcony. In the markets and in specialized stores, they can offer the most suitable varieties, but they can just as well be grown in the country.

Therefore, it is worth choosing plants that are least susceptible to diseases, having tasty, juicy fruits and giving a good harvest, preferably self-pollinated.

The varieties of this berry are initially subdivided according to the type of fruiting:

• harvest once a year - in spring;
• harvest twice a year - in spring and autumn;
• remontant varieties that yield crops all year round.

When choosing a variety, be sure to take into account that some species can give the first harvest in the year of planting, while others - only for the next season.

The most recommended varieties for planting indoors are the following varieties of berries: Roxana, Zagornaya, Queen Elizabeth, Festivalnaya, Rusanka, Desnyanka.

Roxana, Zagornaya, Queen Elizabeth, Festivalnaya, Rusanka, Desnyanka varieties are best suited

The Queen Elizabeth variety has beautiful, large and sweet fruits. This plant produces a lot of antennae, so you can provide yourself with your own young rosettes for the whole year.

The Festivalnaya variety is distinguished by its special sweetness; the half has only a slight sourness.It is not a remontant variety, but it bears fruit for a long time. By the end of fruiting, the size of the berries is almost halved.

The Desnyanka variety is a high-yielding, mid-season variety. Forms antennae perfectly. The berry has a pleasant sweet and sour taste.

Never purchase strawberry seeds or seedlings from spontaneous markets and unverified sellers, as the stated benefits may be false advertisements.

Should you prune strawberries before wintering?

The main principle is pruning the shoots on which the strawberry has already borne fruit, since in the following years it will bear fruit abundantly only on new shoots. This can be done in the fall (which will greatly facilitate the transport into premises or installation for storage in a cardboard box) or in the spring, when the plants will need to be examined again and the leaves and frozen shoots have to be removed.

We do not store strawberries for the winter longer than 2-3 years, since only young plants bloom and bear fruit abundantly. Old copies should be replaced with new ones.

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Do you like strawberries? I think very few people will answer "no". But with current prices, not everyone can afford to enjoy this wonderful berry. And we cannot be 100% sure of the quality of strawberries, it is not known what pesticides it may contain. Homemade strawberries are a completely different matter. We will never doubt its quality! “Good for those who live in their own home and have the opportunity to grow strawberries,” you might think.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW! The only magnetic window cleaner chosen by millions of housewives! Read more.

But ... Even city dwellers of high-rise buildings have such an opportunity. Strawberries on the balcony are not a myth, but a very real idea! There are, of course, their own nuances for care and breeding, but they are not so difficult. Experts say that plants grow better on sunny balconies. But if your balcony is located on the north side, you shouldn't give up on your plans anyway!

Leaving from A to Z

The most important factors in successful balcony gardening are not only choosing the right container, but filling it with the right primer mixture, fertilizing throughout the year, watering and planting.

Priming

Table 2. The most favorable and suitable growing substrates.

Do not forget to spill the substrate with a warm solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection, or steam it at a high temperature.

Top dressing

Strawberry bushes spend a lot of energy on the production of berries, so they need constant feeding with nutrients. Root or foliar, the latter is best applied before flowering. And not necessarily with a concentrated solution, it can burn the roots.

• Apply a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium if your berries are already planted to give them an extra boost.
• strawberries require slightly acidic soil, acidify the soil with sulfur, ferrous sulfate or aluminum sulfate three to six months before planting season;
• once a week, it is better to loosen the soil to supply the roots with oxygen.

Manganese sulfide is an important component of strawberry foliar dressing.

Watering

Watering is one of the important points, without proper irrigation, containerized plants will suffer and crops will certainly be scarce. The amount of water needed for watering depends on the weather conditions, humidity, the type of container you use, and the maturity of the plants themselves. The easiest way to know when it's time for water is to insert your finger into the soil.If the soil seems dry, it's time to water. If not, wait another day and check again. It’s as simple as that. In the summertime, the container orchard is best watered daily.

Strawberries need to be watered daily in summer.

Landing

Plant strawberry seedlings so that the living heart, where the leaves grow, is at the level of the surface of the container soil. If you plant them too high, the roots may dry out; if you plant them too deep, the leaves may not grow. At a distance of 18 - 20 cm from each other, in well-drained soil.

When planting, you must not bury a living heart (growth point), it must be at ground level

On insulated balconies and loggias, seedlings are planted, as a rule, in April, since they are not afraid of frosts. On open balconies, it is better to plant at the end of May, while do not forget to follow the weather forecasts, when the temperature drops, the plants should be covered.

Seedlings of remontant strawberries are planted in the ground in spring (April-May) and at the end of summer (August). After the bushes have been planted, be sure to water them with water at room temperature; on a sultry day, it is better to shade the seedlings.

Strawberry seedlings on the balcony

If you are going to grow seedlings from seeds, in order to surely guarantee yourself this or that variety, then this must be done in the first half of January, from the prepared in advance dried August berries. A month before planting, it is better to put the seeds in the refrigerator, this affects germination. At the beginning of January, seeds are sown on the surface of moist soil, covered with foil and placed in a warm place until the first shoots appear. Checking and watering the soil periodically: Pinch plants regularly to stimulate and maintain a healthy growth cycle. The bottom 3 leaves are removed from the shoots grown from seeds, when the plant grows up to 10 cm, pinch the top.

Pinching strawberries

Don't forget about pollination of strawberries. Timely pollination can guarantee you a large number of fruits.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the flowers of the plant bloom at different times, which means it is worth using different methods of fertilizing flowers.

Pollination of strawberries on the balcony

Video - Growing strawberries from seeds

It is better to remove the first peduncles so that the plant does not waste its energy on berries, but grows stronger. If the variety is mustachioed, and the mustache does not interfere with the lighting, then they can be left. For more information on pruning strawberry whiskers, see our article: Pick berries when they are ripe. This will help increase yields.

Seedlings for planting should have 5-6 formed leaves. The soil around the bush must be carefully compacted with your hands.

Remember to control weeds between and around plants. Weeds will rob moisture and nutrients from your strawberries.

Planting bushes in a permanent place

Abundant fruiting can only be achieved if the sprouts receive all the necessary nutrients from the soil. This means that it is necessary to transplant seedlings into such vessels where there will be enough space for the development of the root system. As a rule, this is a box with a volume of at least three liters. When planting several bushes in one flowerpot, it must be borne in mind that the distance between them must be at least fifteen centimeters. Pay attention to the selection of containers for planting plants.

The seeds have sprouted

Firstly, in terms of volume, such a pot should correspond to the variety that you have chosen. Secondly, drainage must be provided. For this, the bottom of the vessel must have holes so that excess moisture does not stagnate. It is very important not to forget to lay out the bottom of the pot with pebbles or gravel. This will help excess water to leave the container unhindered when watering.

We fill the drainage layer with fertile soil. It is worth noting that the ground for planting must be warm. This will help the plant adapt and promote the development of the root system.

When picking sprouts of remontant strawberries, shaking off the soil from the roots is not recommended, since even minor damage can lead to the death of the bush. If it did not work out to transplant with a lump of earth, it is worth cutting the root system a little before planting. When exposed to air, the ends of the roots begin to die off. Have a sharp pair of garden shears on hand. It is also advisable to try not to damage the root collar during transplantation, and make sure that it does not end up underground.

How to grow strawberries on the balcony

Of course, it will be difficult to achieve the yield declared by the producers on the balcony or windowsill, but it is quite possible to collect a decent harvest of delicious berries. To do this, it is enough to follow a few simple rules.

Experts from the Becker company shared advice on how to properly grow strawberries on the balcony.

Rule 1. Be guided by the cardinal points

Optimal for strawberries are the south side of the house or sunlit in the afternoon. An ideal option is a glazed balcony, but an open one is also suitable. When growing strawberries on a glazed balcony or loggia, do not forget about regular ventilation.

Rule 2. Choose the right containers

It doesn't matter if you grow strawberries in hanging pots, balcony boxes or plastic buckets. The main rule: one plant should have at least 3 liters of substrate.

Choose containers deep enough so that a 3-5 cm layer of drainage can still be poured onto the bottom of them. Also, do not forget about the drainage holes to drain excess moisture.

When growing several plants in one container at once, plant strawberry seedlings at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other and at least 7 cm from the walls of the containers.

Rule 3. Prepare the nutrient substrate

The soil for strawberries should be loose and nutritious and have a slightly acidic reaction (pH 5.5-6.0). You can buy a ready-made mixture at a specialty store, or you can prepare it yourself. Here are some suitable options:

• sand, sod land, peat (1: 3: 6);
• peat, sod land, humus (1: 1: 1);
• peat, sawdust or perlite (1: 2);
• peat, humus, vermicompost (2: 1: 1).

Before planting seedlings, be sure to spill containers filled with a substrate with a solution of potassium permanganate or any fungicide for disinfection.

Rule 4. Do not forget about feeding and watering

Every two weeks, feed the strawberries with any complex fertilizer with microelements (according to the instructions).

Water the balcony strawberries with warm, settled water 1-2 times a week at the rate of 0.5-1 liters of water for each plant. Watering frequency depends on the size of the container and the air temperature. In cold and rainy weather, strawberries need to be watered less often and with less water, and in hot and sunny weather - often and abundantly. The main rule is that the soil should always be slightly damp. But do not overdo it, otherwise the earth in the containers will start to "sour".

Rule 5. Continue grooming after harvest

If you want strawberry bushes to give a good harvest for 3-4 years, do not forget to pay attention to them throughout the year. After harvesting, continue to water the plants as the earthy coma dries up.

Also, remove mustache and old leaves as needed.

In autumn, when the air temperature drops below 4 ° C, insulate containers with plants with foam rubber or other available material, or transfer them to an apartment or cellar. Also, do not forget to periodically moisten the earth in them.

Follow these simple rules, and you are sure to harvest a good strawberry harvest. For those who want to try ripe juicy berries already this season, we recommend buying not seeds, but seedlings grown in containers. Such plants take root well and start growing quickly.You can see a complete list of strawberry varieties and hybrids here.

We wish you a good harvest and new country records.

Planting seeds in prepared soil

Many are interested in how to grow strawberries on the balcony from seeds.

When you have decided on the choice of planting material and bought soil, you can proceed directly to planting. To do this, you need to mix the seeds with pre-disinfected sand (it is enough to ignite it in the oven). Seeds can also be stratified at will. This is done as follows: a few days before planting, put the seed in the refrigerator for three days. In this case, it is necessary to maintain a stable temperature, but not more than three and not less than five degrees Celsius below zero. The soil before planting should not be dry. We plant the grains shallowly, only slightly sprinkling them with earth from above. To protect the crop, it is best to cover the planting with plastic wrap or any other moisture-retaining material inside.

It is better to cover the strawberries with foil

A mini greenhouse is also ideal for such purposes.

Agrotechnics

Growing strawberries on the balcony, which gives a good harvest, can only be done by creating certain conditions.

Priming

Balcony strawberries (strawberries) are demanding on the volume of soil. Each bush needs 3-5 liters of soil, respectively, the diameter of a single pot should be from 25 cm.

It is recommended to use a dredge mixture of high-moor rotted peat, river sand, perlite or vermiculite with the addition of vermicompost and mineral fertilizers.

Strawberries on the balcony love sunshine. Therefore, it is worth choosing southern windows.

Lighting

The best results are obtained from cultivation on southern balconies. When placed on the north side, it is recommended to use additional illumination with phytolamps.

The minimum duration of daylight hours is 6 hours, the recommended one is 12-17.

Temperature regime

In the daytime, 25 degrees are recommended, at night - 17.

Flowering and fruiting ceases at temperatures below 14 degrees.

Temperatures above 35 lead to a drop in immunity.

A drip irrigation system can be used to grow strawberries.

Air humidity and watering

Strawberries are hygrophilous. Drainage and holes in the bottom will prevent soil acidification and root rot.

During fruiting, the intensity of watering is increased.

The harvest

The following tips will help you to improve the quality and quantity of your crop.

Artificial pollination

Most varieties are dioecious. In the open field, strawberries are pollinated by insects, which is unacceptable on a loggia or balcony.

It is possible to create conditions for cross-pollination with the help of the wind. To do this, arrange a draft or use fans. During the flowering season, the devices are turned on for several hours every 2-3 days and directed the air flow tangentially onto the shelves or slides with strawberries.

You can dust the strawberries at home with a damp brush.

At the beginning of flowering, pollination by irrigation with water is permissible. The pollen drips onto the flowers below.

The most effective method of pollination in the house is manual. Use a soft damp brush to touch the pollen on each flower.

Fertilization

Chemical compound fertilizers are not recommended. It is better to prepare compost, add slurry, diluting it with water 1 in 20.

Care to increase yields

It is recommended to remove the mustache in a timely manner. In young bushes with two pairs of developed leaves, whiskers can form as early as the third week after transplanting.

Self-pollinated, abundantly flowering varieties tend to produce large numbers of small berries. To increase the weight of each berry, it is recommended to remove some of the buds.

The bushes of the 2nd 3rd year give the greatest yield. In the fourth year, they are replaced with new young plants.

Wintering

For the winter, containers with strawberries should not be transferred to an apartment.If the balcony or loggia is glazed, and the temperature does not drop below 5 degrees, it is enough to sprinkle the bushes with sawdust.

When the temperature drops below zero, the containers should be insulated with covering materials to prevent through freezing of the soil.

To grow strawberries in a greenhouse or at home, you can use ultraviolet lamps that can replace sunlight.

Moisten the ground a little when it dries. Excessive watering in winter leads to rotting or freezing of the roots.

Pests and diseases

Subject to agricultural technology, plants have good immunity and are less likely to suffer from pests.

Strawberries can be damaged by:

• ticks;
• weevils;
• nematodes;
• fusarium;
• late blight;
• gray rot;
• powdery mildew;
• brown and white spots.

Prevention and treatment of diseases is carried out during the growing season before flowering or after harvesting.

We create conditions for growing strawberries at home

Like any other "wild" plant, strawberries require special attention. It is extremely important to create favorable conditions for its cultivation at home. Emphasis should be placed on:

• lighting;
• temperature conditions;
• watering;
• transshipment;
• pollination.

Now we will consider each of the points separately.

Lighting... For strawberries to bear fruit, they need a lot of light. An ordinary daylight lamp can artificially create it, but experienced gardeners say that it is best to purchase a phytolamp. Thus, the plant will not only have lush foliage, rich green color, but also fairly good flowering, and at the same time a good harvest.

Temperature regime... The minimum temperature that should be at the place of placement of seedlings is + 20 ° C. If this point is not observed, the plants noticeably weaken, and there is also a risk of developing diseases, including fungal ones.

Watering... For strawberries, it is necessary to select the optimal irrigation regime, in which the water will not stagnate at the root. However, make sure that the plant does not dry out. This is fraught with disastrous consequences.

Transshipment... Strawberries "relocated" to the house should be kept in a small glass for at least 20-25 days. After this period, its root system has already developed and strengthened enough, and therefore it's time to transplant the seedlings by transferring them into a more spacious pot.

Pollination. So that the strawberry berry is not deformed, and is full, it is imperative to carry out artificial pollination of flowers. This is easy to do with an ordinary paint brush.

Fertilization and care

Immediately after the plant has taken root, it begins to release its whiskers. In the future, they will also take root in the surrounding area, and as a result, strawberries can fill the entire container in which they grow. Strawberry growers tend to remove the mustache. This is done so that the seedling spends all its strength exclusively on the formation of new berries. Experienced gardeners tear off the first flower stalks. In this case, the plant begins to produce a larger number of peduncles, and the yield will be much larger.