Renewal of strawberries is inevitable. Sooner or later, gardeners decide that they need a new variety.
In this case, you need to choose not only a variety suitable for your area, but also a good place in the garden.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, told where strawberries grow best.
In addition to varietal qualities, the strawberry harvest is also determined by compliance with a number of conditions regarding the choice of location for the bed.
First condition: lighting
The berry bush needs sun, so the bed should be well lit from all sides throughout the day.
Shade does not have the best effect on crop yield.
Second condition: soil
Firstly, the soil should be fertile. Secondly, neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Thirdly, moisture- and air-permeable.
On marshy, peaty, sod-podzolic soils the berry bears fruit poorly.
Third condition: groundwater
The root system of strawberries is shallow. This should be taken into account when planting and organizing watering.
But you shouldn’t plant berries where groundwater is close to the surface.
Dampness can cause root rot.
The fourth condition: crop rotation
The best predecessors for strawberries, besides green manure (legumes or mustard), are considered to be onions and garlic.
But after cruciferous vegetables, nightshades, as well as zucchini and cucumbers, strawberries grow poorly and often get sick.
Don't forget to transplant the berry bush to a new location at least once every 3 years, and then you can confidently count on a consistently high harvest.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
