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Many gardeners are disappointed when the long-awaited strawberry harvest turns out to be less sweet than expected.
This question worries everyone who wants to grow juicy and aromatic berries.
Why do strawberries lose their sweetness and how can this situation be corrected?
The first step to getting sweet strawberries is choosing the right variety.
Some varieties are naturally sweeter due to genetic factors.
Popular sweet varieties include 'Honey', 'Kimberly' and 'Elsanta'.
These varieties, in addition to sweetness, are distinguished by high yield and resistance to diseases. The choice of variety plays a key role in achieving the desired taste of berries.
The conditions in which strawberries are grown directly affect their taste.
Strawberries need a sufficient amount of sunlight, since the sugar in the berries is produced under the influence of sunlight.
It is recommended to plant strawberries in open, sunny areas.
It is also important to provide the plants with a good drainage system to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to the development of root rot and deterioration of the taste of the berries.
Soil quality also has a significant impact on the sweetness of strawberries.
Rich in organic matter, well-drained soil promotes better plant development and the formation of sugars in berries.
Before planting strawberries, it is recommended to add compost or humus to the soil, which will provide the plants with the necessary nutrients.
Regular mulching will help retain moisture and improve soil structure, which will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the harvest.
Watering plays an important role in growing sweet strawberries.
Lack of moisture can result in small and sour berries. However, too much water is also harmful, as it promotes the leaching of sugars from the berries.
Moderate watering is considered optimal, especially during the flowering and fruiting period.
To increase the sweetness of berries, you can use potassium fertilizers, which promote the accumulation of sugars in the fruit.
Nitrogen fertilizers should be used with caution, as their excess can lead to wateriness and a decrease in the sweetness of the berries.
An important factor is proper harvesting. Berries picked too early do not have time to accumulate enough sugar, so it is important to give them time to fully ripen on the bush.
Strawberries should be picked in dry weather, as moisture on the berries can cause them to spoil quickly and lose their flavor.
Damage to berries during harvesting should be avoided, as damaged fruits spoil more quickly and lose their sweetness.
Thus, to obtain sweet strawberries, it is necessary to take into account many factors, from the choice of variety to proper care of the plants.
Earlier we talked about whether it is possible to plant pumpkin and squash in the same bed.