Tag: strawberries

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Transition in Growing Strawberries: What Crops to Avoid and Best Pre-Crops?’

Indeed, it has been proven that there is a correlation between the preceding crop and the height and quality of strawberry yields.
Some strawberry varieties are easily infected by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, the cause of a dangerous root system disease – verticillium wilt.

Therefore, strawberries should not be planted after plants that, due to their susceptibility to this pathogen, may cause its accumulation in the soil. These include blackberries, raspberries, currants, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, as well as cruciferous plants and, of course, strawberries themselves.

Good preceding crops are legumes such as lupin, peas, beans, vetch, onions, and root vegetables like carrot, parsley, celery, beet.
The perfect preceding crops are cereals, rapeseed, mustard, and notably: marigold. Mustard and marigold are especially effective due to their phytosanitary impact on the soil, helping to combat pathogenic fungi such as Verticillium, Phytophthora, Fusarium, and even dangerous soil nematodes.

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Why Bother Growing Strawberries in My Backyard? I Have a Nice Lawn and I Can Buy Fruit at the Market. It’s Easier That Way.

Well, it might be more convenient, but is it better? A well-maintained strawberry bed can be just as much of a garden decoration as a neatly trimmed lawn.

Moreover, contrary to the fears of many “lazybones,” I want to assure you that strawberries do not require much work and are an ideal choice for beginner gardeners, especially when small children visit our garden. For them, a strawberry bed will certainly be a bigger attraction than even the most beautiful lawn.

Growing strawberries offers children the joy of watching plants grow, and the opportunity to pick and eat fruits straight from the bush, which can be a fascinating and educational experience.

Growing strawberries on your own is a relaxing hobby that brings great satisfaction from home-grown fruits. It is worth remembering that strawberries from your garden are usually tastier and of better quality than those bought. Additionally, we can be sure that they are free from pesticides, which always makes them a healthier choice.

And the last issue: in the long term, growing your strawberries is always cheaper than buying them regularly.

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Ants in the Garden. How to Fight These Uninvited Guests? Ecological Methods

Ants in the garden can be a problem; however, there are several effective ways to deal with these unwelcome guests while maintaining an environmentally friendly approach:

1. Vinegar:
Spray a solution of vinegar and water (in a 1:1 ratio) in places where you see ants. Vinegar is a natural deterrent.

2. Baking soda and powdered sugar:
A mixture of baking soda with powdered sugar can be effective, as ants are attracted to the sugar, and the baking soda kills them after ingestion.

3. Cinnamon:
Sprinkle cinnamon in places where you notice ants. It is a natural repellent.

4. Lemon solution:
Spray areas where ants gather with a solution of water and lemon juice. The acidic smell repels ants.

5. Diatomaceous earth:
This is a natural, non-metallic mineral powder that is effective in combating ants, acting as a desiccant.

6. Cucumber peel pieces:
Placing them in areas where ants gather can help deter them.

7. Crawling plants:
Some plants, such as mint, lavender, or basil, act as natural ant deterrents.

8. Sealing entrances:
Block all potential entrances for ants into the home, including cracks in walls and around windows.

9. Regular cleaning:
Removing food residues and maintaining cleanliness in the garden will help discourage ants.

10. Water barrier:
If you have outdoor pots, you can place them in a bowl of water, creating a barrier that ants cannot cross.

Remember that ants play an important role in the ecosystem, helping in the decomposition of organic matter and soil aeration. Sometimes the best strategy is simply to maintain balance and avoid excessive ant control unless they become a serious problem.

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When is the Best Time to Plant Strawberries?

Thirty years ago, the situation was simple: we planted strawberries in spring or autumn, as those were the only times when nurseries had large quantities of properly rooted seedlings available. 🌱 Today, thanks to the incredible development of nursery technology, we can plant strawberries throughout the entire growing season. We have at our disposal not only green (dug up) seedlings but also frigo-type seedlings and potted seedlings. And, indeed, it is difficult to answer the question of which planting term for strawberries is the best, as each has its good and bad sides. Below I present a few relationships between the type of seedlings we have decided on, the timing of their planting, and the height of the first yield:🧐📆 Continue reading “When is the Best Time to Plant Strawberries?”

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