Autumn. The air is filled with the aroma of ripe apples and the last flowers. But here's the problem - weather forecasters promise night frosts. Gardeners are in a panic: how to save their favorite strawberries? Watering before the cold weather - salvation or certain death?
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told whether it is necessary to water strawberries.
Water - friend or foe
Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended to water strawberries immediately before frost.
Wet soil freezes faster, which can damage the plant's root system. However, a complete refusal to water is also fraught with unpleasant consequences.
The optimal solution is considered to be moderate watering a few days before the expected frost.
This approach allows plants to accumulate enough moisture to withstand the cold, but at the same time avoid over-watering the soil.
Tricks of experienced gardeners
Experienced gardeners know: strawberries are a delicate crop, but quite hardy. There are many proven methods to protect them from frost.
For example, mulching beds with straw or sawdust. Such a "blanket" not only retains heat, but also prevents moisture from evaporating from the soil.
Another popular method is covering plants with non-woven material or film.
It is important to remember that the covering material should be stretched so that it does not touch the strawberry leaves. Otherwise, ice bridges may form in the contact areas, which are detrimental to the delicate tissues of the plant.
Natural resourcefulness
It is interesting that nature itself has taken care of protecting strawberries from the cold. With the onset of autumn, hardening processes are launched in plants. Cells accumulate sugars and other substances that reduce the freezing temperature. However, sharp temperature changes can disrupt this natural mechanism.
Therefore, the gardener’s task is to create conditions for a smooth transition of plants into a state of dormancy.
Gradually reducing the frequency of watering, refusing to feed with nitrogen fertilizers - all these measures help strawberries prepare for winter.
When water is really needed
There are situations when watering strawberries before frost is not only acceptable, but also necessary.
We are talking about the so-called "ice shell". This method is used during short-term frosts down to minus 3-4 degrees.
Its essence is as follows: in the evening, before the expected drop in temperature, the plants are watered abundantly.
The ice crust that forms on the leaves and soil protects the strawberries from the damaging effects of frost. However, it is important to remember that this method is only effective during short-term frosts and requires precise calculation of watering time.
Prevention is the best cure
Experienced gardeners know: preparation for winter begins long before the first frosts. Proper care of strawberries throughout the season increases their resistance to adverse conditions.
Regular loosening of the soil, timely removal of weeds and dead leaves, balanced fertilizing - all these measures contribute to the formation of strong, healthy plants that can withstand the vagaries of nature.
Particular attention should be paid to autumn pruning. Removing old and damaged leaves not only improves the appearance of the bed, but also reduces the risk of developing fungal diseases, which are especially dangerous in conditions of high humidity.
Natural helpers
In the fight against frost, gardeners often resort to natural remedies.
For example, spraying strawberries with garlic or onion peel infusion increases the plants' resistance to low temperatures. And adding ash or crushed eggshells to the soil enriches it with potassium and calcium, which also helps strengthen strawberry bushes.
Some gardeners practice planting companion plants, such as garlic or marigolds, next to strawberries.
It is believed that they not only repel pests, but also create a favorable microclimate, helping the berries survive the cold.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
