Strawberries in tubes sound strange, but growing berries using this method is a very convenient way to get high yield and treat yourself to some goodies, especially if there is not much space on the plot, and all the beds have long been occupied by other plantings.
Planting strawberries in pipes horizontally, vertically, or even in a greenhouse is different. To do this, not just use a little different technologies, but also special varieties are selected to get the maximum good result.
For planting strawberries in pipes, only certain varieties are chosen.
They must meet the following characteristics:
- fruitfulness throughout the year;
- frost resistance;
- good adaptation to the conditions in which they grow;
- good taste and beautiful appearance.
Let's look at each type separately.
In PVC pipes horizontally
This method involves placing seedlings horizontally in specially prepared pipes. In this way you can save space and conveniently place the plant on the site. In addition, beds in horizontal pipes look very aesthetically pleasing.
The following varieties are suitable for growing strawberries in a horizontal pipe structure:
- Honey is an excellent variety with large and sweet fruits;
- Slonenok is a frost-resistant variety with large berries and outstanding taste;
- Queen Elizabeth - bears fruit from May to October, produces a large harvest, and is distinguished by high taste.
The main problem that may arise during cultivation is fungus. In closed systems, it is a frequent visitor, so it is better to initially protect yourself and thoroughly disinfect the roots of the seedlings and the soil itself before planting.
The soil must be disinfected, even if you bought a ready-made substrate.
In the greenhouse
Growing strawberries using PVC pipes in a greenhouse has several advantages. Firstly, it will bear fruit almost all year, which, of course, is very beneficial if you are going to do this as a own business. Secondly, pipes are excellent space savers, allowing them to be placed on relatively small area There are quite a lot of seedlings in the greenhouse. The yield in the greenhouse is always high and stable.
In plastic pipes vertically
This method differs from the horizontal one, as the name implies, in the way of placing the bed and, accordingly, the seedlings in it.
In a vertical bed, the soil will dry out very quickly, so it is very important to monitor this and not lose sight of fluctuations in humidity. If you overdry, you can lose the harvest, which is unpleasant for any farmer.
But excess moisture in vertical beds can also be detrimental to plants, because in this case the roots rot very quickly.
The varieties most often used for this method are:
- Alba is early, climbing, tolerates even low temperatures;
- Ostara is an ampelous, compact variety with delicious berries;
- Queen - can withstand temperatures down to -15 degrees in winter, has juicy beautiful berries;
- A homemade delicacy – early, with dark red berries and a slight sourness in the aftertaste.
Just like in growing horizontally in in this case You should be wary of plant diseases and fungi. Take care of treating the soil and plant roots in advance.
How to grow strawberry seedlings in PVC
Planting using this method is only becoming more popular every season. The most important thing is to configure the entire system correctly. Why the system? Because the pipe structure, which we will talk about a little later, is not just a container with holes, but a system in which favorable conditions for growing plants.
Growing horizontally may seem like the most in a convenient way. The seedlings are placed at a distance of approximately 20 cm from each other. You can make holes in the pipe with a diameter of about 13 cm, or you can simply carefully cut off its upper part.
The edges of the pipe are closed with plugs, but at the bottom there will be a hole for excess water. We'll talk more about pipe preparation a little later. Next, a favorable growing environment is prepared, soils are selected, and an irrigation system is installed. Drip irrigation will be as convenient as possible for strawberries.
Strawberry in PVC pipes planted vertically in a slightly different way. The holes must be placed in a checkerboard pattern in compliance with the same proportions as in the horizontal method. The distance between cells must be at least 20 cm.
A plug is placed at the bottom of the pipe, and then the drainage is filled in. In order for watering in this method to be uniform and water not to flow to the bottom of the structure, it is necessary to place an additional pipe of smaller diameter, in which holes are made, and the pipe itself is wrapped in geotextile. Such a pipe will be higher than the landing pipe. The holes in it will need to be located 30 cm from the ground to avoid stagnation of water.
Preparing pipes for planting
We have reached one of the main steps - preparing the pipes.
For the system we need:
- PVC pipes with a diameter of 15 cm.
- End caps corresponding to the pipe diameter.
- Pipes PVC diameter 3-4 cm for water supply, 15 cm longer than the main pipe.
- Plugs for thin pipes with the appropriate diameter.
- Hose (needed to drain water).
- A container that will contain water.
- Pump with automatic watering.
- Expanded clay (will serve as drainage).
- Drill with crown dia. 10 cm.
- Roulette
- Hacksaw.
- Priming.
For comfortable growth of strawberry roots, it is better to beat the expanded clay with a hammer in advance so that it breaks into small pieces.
You should choose a sunny place. Therefore, before assembling the structure, think carefully about where it will be located and decide on the dimensions. If this is a single bed, then you can place it on sunny side fence If you plan to grow strawberries on a large scale, then it is worth considering how and where the beds will be located.
If you decide to grow strawberries on a large scale, then take care of the supports. They can be built, for example, in the form of a pyramid. But the material must be durable. Please note that a PVC pipe with soil and only 2 meters in size will weigh as much as 25 kilograms.
Let's start preparing the pipes. At a distance of about 20 cm, make holes with a diameter of about 13 cm. In a thin pipe, prepare many small holes using a drill. Wrap a thin pipe with geotextile (agrofibre will also work), and then secure everything using wire so that the covering material does not unwind or slide.
In the plugs from the wide pipe you need to make a hole that will match the diameter of the thin tube. Sprinkle approximately 2-3 cm of expanded clay onto the bottom of a wide pipe, distributing it evenly over the surface. Then we place the prepared thin pipe so that its edges extend into the newly drilled holes in the plugs of the large pipe.
Pour soil into the slot of the large pipe, compact it, and then water it. On the one hand, you will need to connect a hose from an irrigation system with a timer or a container that will be located above the level of the seedlings. On the other side there will be a hose for draining water.
The vertical design is different in that it is positioned differently. The holes are drilled at the same distance, with the same diameter. The only thing is that they will be done in a checkerboard pattern. The design principle remains the same.
The pipe bed is ready, you can start planting!
Soil requirements and preparatory activities
Strawberries will grow well in turf soil. Drainage must be present in all options for planting seedlings. Its thickness should be about 2-3 cm.
When placing it in the pipe, the soil should not just be filled in, but thoroughly compacted. There should not be a loose layer, because during the watering process it will be compacted and voids will appear, which we have absolutely no use for.
Before planting, strawberry roots can be processed in a special mash, which is made from equal parts of manure and clay.
How to properly plant strawberries in pipes with soil
The success of the work done also depends on whether the plants were planted correctly in the ground. In this case, it is worth considering a number of details.
For planting, you should choose those bushes whose roots have grown to approximately 10 cm. If it is longer, it is worth trimming the root system a little. The root must be laid so that it does not bend, otherwise the plant will disappear. Afterwards, the plant is covered with soil on top.
The core of the bush should be located above the bush. If it comes out too strongly, adaptation will take longer. If you overfill the bush, it may not take root at all.
Watering and replenishment
Strawberry loves acidic soils. Therefore, after planting, the soil must be acidified. Take about 10 g of vinegar per liter of water, dilute and water the plants.
Thanks to the drip irrigation system, water will be supplied little by little, without critically moistening the soil and preventing the root system from rotting. Do not forget that the soil dries out very quickly in the pipes, so it is important to find a middle ground, do not overfill the water and do not forget to water the plant at all.
You also need to think about fertilizer, because strawberries do not grow in natural environment and she simply has nowhere to get useful substances from. All of them are administered only in liquid form. This could be urea, ammonium nitrate, etc.
Cleaning the soil from weeds and insects
Sometimes strawberries are affected by various pests. It can be:
- slugs;
- ants;
- ticks.
If a mite has infected the plant, you can use karbofos. Snails and slugs can be flushed out by metaldehyde. Aphids are destroyed with a soap solution.
The soil must be treated before plants are planted in it. It is the treatment that allows you to get rid of pests that may be in it. Also, one of the advantages of growing strawberries this way is the absence of weeds.
Features of post-harvest care
After harvesting, closer to September, it will be necessary to mulch. Sawdust is perfect for this purpose. They prevent rotting and perform their functions perfectly.
A few days after the last fruiting, it is necessary to carefully remove dried leaves from the plant. They die off and continue to gain strength, but strawberries do not need them to weaken by winter.
If you plan to plant bushes to increase the yield, you should remove all young tendrils and leave only the longest. It will become a new bush when the time comes.
Particular attention should be paid to the land. After fruiting, it should remain moist so that the plant gains new strength and can delight you with delicious fruits next season. To avoid burns on the leaves, it is better to water in the morning or evening.
Summarize. A pipe bed is a very profitable and convenient way to grow strawberries, both for yourself and for commercial purposes. This design takes up little space. In a greenhouse you can place a fairly large number of seedlings, be it vertical or horizontal landing. The strawberry varieties used are unpretentious, but at the same time high-yielding.
You can find strawberries growing in the form of tall pyramids in car tires and homemade vertical boxes. Today we will talk about one of the most modern methods– growing strawberries in horizontal pipes ah PVC. What are the advantages of this method?
- Mobility. The design has no connection to the installation location. PVC pipes can be placed in the greenhouse and on the balcony, in the garden bed and next to the flower bed. It can be transferred not only in the spring before planting seedlings, but also during the active growing season or fruiting.
- Minimal loss of time for soil preparation and plant care. In this article we will look at the method of growing not only in soil, but also hydroponic method. The second option generally excludes the use of soil in the usual sense for most gardeners.
- Possibility of maximum automation of the growing process. Moreover, this automation can be done independently, it will cost very little, and in terms of efficiency it is in no way inferior to industrial analogues.
- Berries are clean, do not have direct contact with the ground, do not rot, and do not lose their presentation.
- Another plus - Harvest time is significantly increased.
First, let's talk about the hydroponic method, and then about the usual method.
Even without knowing anything about this “supernova” technology, most housewives have been working on it for decades. A striking example– growing onions on a windowsill in a container with ordinary water. Some even add special nutritious baits to the water and thus move on to the next stage of hydroponics - intensive cultivation agricultural crops. Space explorers also have high hopes for hydroponics. This is the only method to independently replenish food supplies during long space flights.
Let us immediately warn you that only remontant strawberries are suitable for hydroponics; these varieties can produce a harvest all year round. Professionals recommend growing “Queen Elizabeth”, “Elvira”, “Yellow Miracle”, “Vima Zanta” and other disease-resistant, high-yielding varieties.
Strawberry "Yellow Miracle"
Garden strawberry "Vima Zanta"
Plants grown using the hydroponic method take nutrients only from water; there is no soil at all. What does the system look like? This is the capacity (in our case from plastic pipes PVC), in which water is constantly circulating with mineral fertilizers, micro- and macroadditives. Plants are located in small plastic pots, to increase stability, you can place pebbles or expanded clay at the bottom of the pots.
Practical advice. To increase efficiency, it is better to crush expanded clay with a hammer. In this condition root system plants feel better, and expanded clay can provide them with moisture and nutrients for a longer period of time.
The water circulates in the pipes; a small aquarium pump can be used for the pump. If there are a lot of pipes and they are located in several tiers in height, then you need to install a more powerful pump.
Fertilizers are added to the water, the enriched water moves through closed loop, the drain is diverted into a separate container, and a fence is made from it. You need to know about one feature of expanded clay - it contains urea salts, which create an alkaline environment in the system. And strawberries love slightly acidic soils; to normalize growing conditions, expanded clay is first thoroughly washed and then soaked in a weak solution of vinegar. There are recommendations to replace expanded clay with coconut fiber, but this pleasure is quite expensive.
Technology for growing strawberries in horizontal PVC pipes using the hydroponic method
Sewerage pipes with a diameter of 100–150 mm are best suited for these purposes; they have standard, fully sealed plugs, which is very important for the chosen method. To carry out the work, you will need a disc grinder, a drill, pieces of pipe Ø 20–25 mm, plastic squares, a container for draining and a pump for supplying water.
Step 1. Decide on the location of the pipes and their number. The technical data of the pump and the list of additional water fittings will depend on these parameters.
Step 2. Draw a straight line on the surface of the pipe; on this axis you need to drill holes for the pots. The diameter of the peas should be slightly larger than the diameter of the holes; they should be fixed in them, but not fall through. You can place pots at the bottom of the pipe, but this option will create significant obstacles to water circulation. The distance between holes is within 15 cm.
Step 3. Prepare end caps for pipes with bends. Enough difficult process, requires skill and practical skills. The outlets of the water supply/drain pipes must be glued to the plugs. To do this, drill holes with a diameter 1–2 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the pipes. Carefully clean the cut area, remove all burrs and irregularities. Heat the pipe construction hairdryer or in boiling water, the end should be plastic, but not very soft. Next, forcefully insert the pipe into the hole and hold in this position until it cools completely. For complete sealing, the joint must be additionally glued with thermoactive or thermoplastic glue, preferably two-component.
Step 4. You need to prepare two such plugs for each pipe. Install them on pipes suspended above each other in the form of a ladder. Using a piece of Ø 20–25 mm and angles, connect all the pipes in series, the outlet should be in a special container, the inlet should be adapted to connect the pump. How to do this depends on the specific brand of unit.
Step 5. Fill the system with ordinary water and check all connections for leaks. If leaks are found, repair problem areas.
Water should not circulate in the system continuously; it is enough to turn on the pump two to three times a day for half an hour. In order to ensure automatic operation system, it is recommended to purchase a time timer; it costs a penny, but works very reliably.
Features of growing strawberries in hydroponics
As for the issues of growing seedlings, conventional technology is used; the time of planting depends on the characteristics of the premises (heated or not) and the climatic zone of residence.
Growing strawberries horizontally in pipes using soil
The preparation of plastic pipes has its differences from the method described above. This is due to the fact that now it is not water that circulates in them, but there is nutritious soil, the plants are planted in it, and not in pots. How to prepare a structure for this method?
Step 1. Cut the pipes to the required length and mark the holes. If you don’t have a drill with a large diameter bit to drill them out, you can make the holes with a grinder. They may not be exactly the same, the main thing is that they do not interfere with planting strawberry seedlings. The distance between plants is within 15 cm, the diameter of the holes in the pipes is ≈5 cm, the diameter of the pipes is 100–150 mm. You will need plugs on both sides; you can purchase them or make them yourself. It's difficult to make plugs - take a piece polyethylene film and tie the ends of the pipes with it, tightly wrap the edges with wire or rope.
Step 2. Prepare smaller diameter pipes for installing an irrigation system. The length of such pipes should be 10–15 cm longer than the length of large ones with plants; water supply hoses will be connected to the ends. You need to drill holes in them at a distance of 10–15 cm Ø 2–3 mm. Water will flow through these holes. To prevent the holes from becoming clogged with earth, wrap the pipe with geotextile or non-woven synthetic fiber and secure it with wire.
Step 3. Make holes in the plugs for small diameter pipes. It may not be sealed, as in the previous case. On the other plug you need to drill holes to drain excess water.
Step 4. Make special structures for fastening horizontal pipes, think over a water supply system. You can use a pump, set a timer on it and make watering automated, or you can place any container slightly above the pipes and water the plants by gravity. Everyone should choose the most suitable option for themselves, taking into account their capabilities and desires.
How to prepare pipes for planting strawberries
Quite a labor-intensive operation. For backfilling, you should prepare expanded clay (it will act as drainage) and fertile soil (it is better to purchase a ready-made substrate at a specialized store). Keep in mind that expanded clay reduces acidity, and strawberries do not like this. Use the tips described above to eliminate this feature. When all structural elements are ready, you can begin filling them.
Step 1. Lay the pipes horizontally on a flat surface. In turn, through each hole, pour expanded clay into them. The thickness of the layer should not exceed 2–3 cm; with a stick or other convenient object, level it with an equal layer along the entire length of the pipe.
Step 2. Place a smaller diameter pipe on the expanded clay, prepared for irrigation. Make sure that the drilled holes are located at the top.
Step 3. Pour soil into each hole one at a time. Constantly level and tamp it, and for better shrinkage, water it generously. Backfilling soil is a rather lengthy task, but it should be approached with great responsibility. If the soil is not poured tightly, then over time it will shrink greatly, which will have an extremely negative impact on the final yield of strawberries.
All pipes are filled with earth - you can install them in place and connect the irrigation system. The seedlings are dealt with as usual; the agricultural technology is no different from growing strawberries indoors.
It is quite difficult and time-consuming to pour soil into pipes; when growing strawberries, you need to take all measures to prevent them from becoming infected. Otherwise, you will very often have to disassemble the entire structure and start preparing it for planting seedlings all over again. How to minimize the risk of substrate contamination?
Don't be discouraged if the first season is not very successful, you are just gaining experience. On next year you will have an excellent strawberry harvest; growing it requires almost no time or physical effort. Practitioners advise first to simultaneously try two growing methods: hydroponic and ordinary. The one that works better can be expanded for the next season.
Video - Growing strawberries in PVC pipes horizontally
Both amateur gardeners and people who garden for profit are interested in placing as many useful plants in as small an area as possible. An excellent solution to this problem is to grow strawberries horizontally in PVC pipes.
This method is suitable for growing strawberries both outdoors, and in a greenhouse, where, with heating and lighting provided, it can grow and produce crops all year round. The horizontal position of the pipes, as opposed to the vertical position, allows moisture and nutrients to be evenly distributed throughout the bed.
Construction technology
To build a suitable structure, you will have to work hard, but later this will significantly reduce the cost of labor and effort for growing strawberries. What you will need to build:
- required number of PVC pipes with a diameter of 150 mm;
- two plugs for each segment;
- irrigation tubes with a diameter of 30 to 40 mm, they should be 150 mm longer than thick products;
- one plug for each thin tube;
- water tanks;
- pump with time relay;
- tools, soil, drainage.
A single pipe - a bed can simply be fixed on the sunny side of the fence, and if we're talking about about creating a complex, you need to start with building the foundation. It can have a gable or pyramidal shape, and pipes that are in a horizontal position can be mounted one above the other.
Remember! A two-meter pipe filled wet soil, has a weight of approximately 25 kg.
The next steps are:
- in a thick pipe, “windows” measuring 150 mm are cut into one at intervals of 150 mm;
- small holes are drilled in the irrigation pipes for irrigation;
- The irrigation tube is wrapped in burlap so that the holes do not become clogged with soil. Burlap can successfully replace old tights;
- the bottom of a thick pipe is covered with a drainage layer 25 mm thick;
- holes are made in the center plugs for irrigation pipes;
- thick pipes are closed with plugs and irrigation tubes are threaded into the holes of the plugs;
- thick products are attached to a base and filled with soil through “windows”;
- A hose from the pump is connected to the end of a thin tube, which is not closed with a plug, and a test watering is performed. If a complex of several pipes is being built, then all the irrigation pipes are connected with hoses, then their ends are not blocked. If it is one pipe, then drainage holes need to be made in its bottom.
The tank is installed above the level of the beds to create pressure.
It is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the system; this makes sense for small structures. You can abandon the irrigation tubes and water through the “windows” at the root, then a pump with a timer and a water tank will not be required. You can cut out the wooden plugs yourself and place them on glue, or wrap the ends with film and secure them with wire.
This option is suitable for amateur gardeners, but for mass cultivation of strawberries horizontally in a pipe, there is no need to skimp on automation.
When grown in industrial scale The hydroponic method is used, in which the pipes are filled not with soil, but with hygroscopic material; the plants are nourished by fertilizing liquid supplied through the pipes. This method completely eliminates weeds and diseases, but its disadvantage is the need to flush the system.
Strawberry varieties and rules for growing them
Remontant varieties are suitable for growing strawberries horizontally in a pipe:
- Gigantella maxima.
- Mount Everest.
- Queen Elizabeth 2.
- Yellow miracle.
- Vima Zenta.
All these varieties are resistant to diseases and uncomfortable growing conditions, at the same time they are productive and tasty.
The planting time for summer cultivation is spring, when persistent warming sets in. For year-round cultivation can be planted in both spring and autumn.
When growing strawberries using soil, it must be calcined and treated with disinfecting solutions. Considering that the consumption of soil for strawberries growing horizontally in a pipe is small, it is easier to buy ready-made soil for strawberries.
Important! It is worth paying attention to the preparation and disinfection of the soil Special attention, because, in case of infection, all the soil in the pipes will have to be changed, and this is a labor-intensive procedure associated with dismantling the structure.
To be on the safe side, even ready-made soil mixtures should be disinfected. Seedlings grown independently should be used to avoid the risk of purchasing infected plants.
Landing is carried out in the following sequence:
- A hole approximately 10 cm deep is made in each “window”.
- The roots of the seedlings are soaked in a solution that stimulates root formation.
- Strawberry bushes are planted in holes. Make sure that the roots do not bend. It is better to cut off the longest ones.
- The plantings are watered and shaded until the bushes are well rooted.
This video will tell you more about the features of growing strawberries in PVC pipes horizontally:
With the hydroponic growing method, strawberry roots are placed in expanded clay chips. Since expanded clay tends to release salts, which strawberries do not like, the pebbles are soaked in a weak solution of vinegar before crushing. In the process of growing hydroponically, regular acidification with nitrogen fertilizers is carried out.
Rules for caring for strawberries
Strawberries growing horizontally in PVC pipes are not susceptible to attack by pests living in the ground and weeds; the soil in the pipes does not need to be loosened. However, it is susceptible to disease, and the soil in the pipes, due to its small volume, loses moisture and nutrients faster. Therefore, when growing strawberries horizontally, care will differ from caring for strawberries in open ground. Features of care:
- maintaining constant soil moisture; automated drip irrigation may be ideal here;
- feeding strawberries twice a month;
- thorough removal of diseased bushes along with the soil underneath them;
In the absence of a heated greenhouse, overwintering strawberries in PVC pipes is a big difficulty. In our climate, such pipes will freeze, so they must either be well insulated or removed winter time Into the basement.
To insulate the structure, you need spunbond, which is used to wrap each pipe in two to three layers from the time the first frost begins. When the frost gets stronger, you need to wrap it again, but not individually, but the whole complex.
According to reviews from amateurs, growing strawberries horizontally in PVC pipes has found its supporters. They even make adjustments, namely: the gardener suggests filling the pipes with peat instead of soil. It holds water better, and before laying it on winter storage and after watering stops, pipes with peat will weigh less and be easier to carry.
Another amateur suggested putting the pipes in trenches before winter and insulating them with straw. This is a great solution if you don't have a basement. Some advise simply lowering the pipes from the supports to the ground and insulating them with any available means. In places where in winter snow cover lies stable all winter, this method is especially suitable.
The need for frequent watering is cited as a disadvantage, but when installing a drip irrigation system, this is not a problem. In any case, it is easier to water compact beds than to drag hoses around the entire area.
Conclusion
Having analyzed all the reviews, we can say that the technology of growing strawberries in horizontal pipes has the following advantages:
- the ability to place plantings anywhere, even on balconies and loggias;
- the ability to move the structure at the request of the gardener;
- if there is a heated room, it is possible to harvest crops all year round;
- there is no need for weeding and slug control;
- The berries do not get dirty with soil and can be eaten right away.
The disadvantages include the following:
- monetary costs for the construction of the structure;
- the need for frequent watering and fertilizing;
- the need for insulation for the winter.
It’s up to everyone to decide what outweighs the pros or cons, but to decide, it’s worth at least trying. Go for it, and luck will not leave you!
Strawberries are one of those crops that require classic version land space is not used rationally. Every gardener knows that planting in the usual way takes up a lot of space in the ground large area, while the harvest that can be harvested from this area is small. Therefore, it is aimed at increasing productivity with square meter land.
Vertical growing of strawberries
Usage vertical installations and structures for growing strawberries - this is a practical way aimed at saving land space. For arranging vertical flower beds and beds you can use various designs that are commercially available, or make them yourself. One of these options, which is quite new in use, is vertical planting of strawberries in a PVC pipe intended for sewer installation. Planting strawberries in a pipe has already been tested and reliable way, recommended by leading gardening experts.
Materials for manufacturing
For the manufacture of vertical flower bed you will need:
- Wide diameter pieces.
- An electric drill, a wide-hole bit, or a regular wood drill.
- A narrow PVC pipe that is used to supply water to the roots of plants.
- Scotch.
- Knife and cork.
- Burlap for winding a watering pipe.
- Twine or twine.
- Soil mixture.
- Gravel or expanded clay.
- Strawberry seedlings.
- Fastening elements.
How to make a tube for planting strawberries
If you decide to plant strawberries in vertical tube beds, decide on their height. You need to measure the length of the pipe and cut it off, installing a plug on one side. In a thin pipe designed to moisten the soil, small holes are drilled on two-thirds of the entire surface. This is done to ensure that water flows mainly at the top of the vertical flower bed. To ensure that the lower plants do not become waterlogged, and the upper ones receive a sufficient amount of water, the tube is wrapped in burlap and secured with string or twine. This is necessary to ensure that the strawberry roots do not penetrate the tube and disrupt the water supply system. A plug is inserted into the lower end of the tube and secured with adhesive tape. The bottom side is the one with no holes.
In a wide pipe it is necessary to make large windows or drill thin drill their contours and cut along them with a knife. These holes are located mainly on those sides that will face the light. On the side that will inevitably face north, they will not be needed. The last holes are made no lower than 20 centimeters from the ground. The narrow watering tube is inserted into the main wide one and attached to it in any convenient way. Pipes are installed on permanent place location, turning the holes towards the sunny side, and secured with clamps or other available fasteners.
The soil
Planting strawberries in a pipe involves using ready-made store-bought universal soils or preparing them yourself. To do this, you need to mix equal parts of ordinary garden soil, peat, and turf. To make the soil breathable, sand and sawdust are added. Also, ash must be added to the prepared mixture for growing strawberries to prevent rotting, since strawberries have a superficial, rather delicate root system.
Land on which crops such as strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes or potatoes have been grown for the previous 2-3 years is not suitable for planting strawberries. This contributes to the transmission of diseases that are characteristic of these plants. You can also add humus or manure in small proportions to the soil mixture. The pipes are filled 10 centimeters from the bottom with coarse gravel or any other suitable material to create good drainage. It is poured on top and slightly compacted soil mixture all the way to the top.
Planting strawberries in pipes
Plants such as marigolds or marigolds are placed in the lower holes of the tube. These flowers are good at driving away pests, preventing them from reaching strawberry plants. If varieties are planted that reproduce by removing the tendrils, then the plants can be planted through one hole in order to subsequently draw the tendrils into free holes where they will take root. Vertical fit Strawberry growing in a tube involves carefully placing the plants in an unusual position for them. You can fill the pipe with soil in advance and then make small depressions in it with your fingers to plant seedlings or place plants in stages, covering them with soil.
This is what planting strawberries in a pipe looks like (photo below).
Caring for strawberries in pipes
It is quite simple and differs little from the usual when growing a plant in the ground. This includes timely watering, periodic feeding and disease prevention. Water is supplied to the irrigation pipe. For convenience, at the end of it, rising above the garden bed, you can place a watering can with a wide neck. The tube is filled completely to the top. It gradually releases water through the stretched burlap and compacted earth around it. With good drainage, you don't have to worry about flooding your plants. It is easy to determine the condition of the soil; to do this, you just need to feel it with your fingers in the holes where the strawberries are planted. It does not tolerate drying out of the soil, so it should be constantly moistened.
Produced during the period of active growth and flowering. When the fruiting period begins, feeding is stopped. Foliar feeding with microelements is most effective. To do this, use a mixture of boric acid, zinc sulfate, cobalt nitrate and manganese sulfate. To prepare the solution, these substances are taken in equal proportions and mixed with water in an amount of 0.025%. As root feeding, universal fertilizers are used, as well as solutions of mullein or bird droppings.
If strawberries are planted in pipes, wintering in such conditions differs little from the ground. However, the advantage of this technology is that these beds can be wrapped in improvised materials or brought indoors.
Varieties for vertical growing
Planting strawberries in pipes involves purchasing high productive varieties, resistant to most plant diseases and pests. The ripening time is not particularly important, since pipes are easy to install not only outdoors, but also in greenhouses or greenhouses. The following varieties are considered the most productive: “Granatovy”, “Zagorie”, “Roxana”, “Early Maheraukha”, “Desnyanka”, “Pavlovchanka”. As well as varieties from foreign producers: Gigantella, Bogota, Cardinal, Troubadour.
Pest and disease control
The most common pest for strawberry seedlings is the strawberry transparent mite, which damages the leaves. It is easy to identify, because when it appears, strawberry leaves curl and turn yellow, and the berries on the bushes become small. To combat it, spraying with karbofos is used. To do this, prepare a solution: 3 tablespoons of karbofos for 10 liters of water. This treatment also eliminates insects such as weevils, strawberry beetles and whiteflies.
Also, strawberries are often attacked by cockchafer larvae, which must be removed from the plant. It is not advisable to use chemicals to control these pests, since they are long-lasting and are not suitable for strawberries, which ripen quite quickly.
Pests for strawberries can be slugs, centipedes, and snails. Most often they settle on plants when the soil is waterlogged. You need to fight them with the help of the drug "Metaldehyde". This is a granular powder that does not require dissolution in water. Its granules are distributed on the soil.
First of all, strawberries in pipes save space on personal plot. If there is little space... How to grow strawberries in PVC pipes. I think many of you have heard about this unusual method of growing, but did not dare to do this yourself. I hope this article will help you understand this issue and you will enthusiastically approach this growing method.
So, first, I suggest you learn about some of the benefits of growing strawberries in PVC pipes.
Strawberries in tubes: advantages of technology
— first of all, strawberries in tubes save space in the garden. If there is little space, but you want to plant a lot, growing strawberries in pipes vertically is ideal. would be better suited in this case
— mobility (the structure can be moved and rebuilt)
— tillage is reduced to a minimum
- harvesting without sand
— strawberries in PVC pipes will delight both you and your neighbors in the country with their attractiveness, such a design will become the “highlight” of your site
Strawberries in tubes are grown both vertically and horizontally. However, in both the first and second cases, we need a “device” for growing - a PVC pipe. It should be prepared in advance. Next, I propose to find out how to make the design we need.
What will be needed to make the structure?
- sections of PVC pipes (preferably wide in diameter)
- a narrower PVC pipe (needed to supply water to the roots of the plant)
- stubs
- electric drill with attachment for wide holes
- cork, knife
- burlap
- twine
— fasteners
— expanded clay
- soil mixture
- strawberry seedlings
Strawberries in PVC pipes: pipe preparation
First of all, you need to decide on the height of the PVC pipes. Measure the length you need and cut it, install a plug on one side of the pipe. In a narrow pipe, using a drill, we make holes every 8-10 cm in 3 rows. It will be located inside the wider one and will act as " watering hose".
The pipe must be wrapped in burlap and secured with twine. This is done so that the water is dispersed during irrigation. The lower part (the one where there are no holes) is closed with a cork and secured with tape.
We make holes in a wide pipe using a special large drill attachment. These holes must be made on the side that will face the sun. The lower holes should be located at a distance no lower than 20-25 cm from the ground.
Next, you should place the PVC pipes vertically. They must be placed and secured firmly; this is done immediately in the place where the strawberries will be grown. A narrow pipe is inserted into the center of the wider one. To balance the narrow pipe, it is necessary to immediately fill the wide one with coarse gravel and soil.
PVC pipes are installed with holes facing the sunny side and secured using any fastening materials.
Strawberries in PVC pipes: planting and care
Growing strawberries in PVC pipes will work better if you choose the right strawberry varieties. Growing strawberries in pipes involves the use of high-yielding varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests. This could be the strawberry variety “Gigantella”, “Bogota”, “Zagorye”, “Pomegranate”, “Desnyanka” and others. Growing strawberries in pipes is a fairly simple process; the main thing is to follow the rules for planting strawberries.
As for the soil for growing strawberries, you need to take care of it in advance: purchase it at a specialized store or prepare it yourself. The soil should consist of ordinary garden soil, peat, ash, sand and sawdust for air exchange, you can also add humus or manure.
It is better if, when planting strawberries, you plant flowers in the lower parts of the pipes that will not allow pests to get to the strawberries (for example, marigolds). Strawberry seedlings are planted in holes by making small depressions in the soil with your fingers.
If you plan to plant strawberry varieties that reproduce by removing tendrils, then it is better to plant them through one hole, so that you can then insert these tendrils into free holes, where they will take root.
Growing strawberries in PVC pipes does not require any specific care. Strawberries in tubes, like usually grown strawberries, require timely watering, fertilizing and preventive actions aimed at combating possible diseases and pests.
Strawberries in PVC pipes do not tolerate drying out of the soil. You can determine the condition of the soil by simply “probing” it with your finger through the holes. Watering occurs as follows: inner tube fills to the top with water, and then gradually releases the water to the plants.
As for feeding, strawberries in pipes need extra-root feeding. As a feeding mixture, a mixture consisting of manganese sulfate, zinc, cobalt nitrate and boric acid is used. All components are taken in equal proportions and mixed with water in an amount of 0.025%.
If we talk about strawberry pests, strawberries in pipes are susceptible to attack by the Colorado potato beetle, strawberry mite, slugs and snails. To combat pests such as slugs or snails, a product called “Metaldehyde” is most often used; to combat strawberry mites, a solution of karbofos is used, but it is not recommended to combat the Colorado potato beetle with any chemicals, because they are long-lasting and are not suitable for berries that ripen quickly.
It turned out that growing strawberries in PVC pipes is not only quite simple and convenient, but also a practical way to grow strawberries. Many gardeners, having tried to grow strawberries in this way once, never return to traditional way growing berries in open ground. I hope that growing strawberries in pipes will become your favorite growing technology.
