Steps for planting
Take a stick and make a hole at the bottom of the cup. Remove the stick and ensure that the soil is moist. Gently squeeze the cup to loosen the soil, then use two fingers to carefully remove the plant, wrapping the roots around your fingers. Flip the plant and press it gently. Place the plant into the hole you created and fill it with soil. Use a straw to mark the plants for identification purposes.
Watering schedule
For the first month after planting, water the plants every day with half a liter per plant in the evening.
For the second, third, and fourth month, water the plants three times a week with a liter of water per plant in the evening.
From the 5th month onwards, water the plants twice a week with half a liter of water per plant in the evening. Avoid watering the plants during the rainy season.
During the hot season, regardless of the month, water the crops three times a day—morning, midday, and evening—because the intense heat can stress the plants. Look for signs of stress, such as the bottom of the leaf flipping and turning up. Stress can reduce production levels. You can use either drip irrigation or a manual watering system.
Additional tips for strawberry plants
Strawberries require adequate nutrition to thrive. When initially planting, ensure the soil has sufficient nitrogen to promote leaf development and photosynthesis. Nitrogen-rich soil will result in healthier plants. Additionally, provide phosphorus to enhance Runner production, especially for farmers engaged in Runner propagation.
During the flowering stage, provide ample amounts of calcium, boron, magnesium, and potassium. Potassium helps sweeten the fruits. Russian comfrey can be used as a source of potassium. Calcium can be obtained from insect frass, such as BSF (black soldier fly) frass. Use a fertilizer that contains both macro and micro elements. Apply fatty soil once every three months for slow-release nutrients. Use 30 grams of insect frass and 50 grams of fatty soil per plant.
Using organic fertilizers is recommended as they are easier to manage compared to synthetic fertilizers. Expect fruiting to occur approximately four months after planting.
