Types of covering fabrics and materials for strawberries from weeds
Growing strawberries is one of the most popular activities among domestic gardeners, despite the fact that the culture requires increased attention and has many nuances. Getting rid of weeds, which are serious competitors for light and nutrients, is difficult, but new technologies are making it easier. A special weed-free strawberry material that does no harm or inconvenience is the best alternative to laborious weeding.
Types of covering materials
As a covering material, they are often used:
- organic mulch;
- black mulch fabric;
- dark plastic wrap.
Mulching is the most affordable way. With its help, you can stop the growth and development of weeds, improve the mineral and organic composition of the soil, and protect the berry crop from fungal diseases.
For these purposes, organic materials such as:
- Crushed bark or wood chips, which retain their properties for 5 years and improve the external condition of the garden.
- Sawdust or shavings scattered in a thin layer. Requires renewal at least three times a year.
- Straw of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous grasses, lined with a thick layer of up to 20 cm. It is worthwhile to make sure in advance that there are no seeds in the mulch, since they can become the object of attracting mice and other rodents.
- Tops of garden and vegetable garden vegetation without signs of infection with fungal pathogens. Often used to prevent freezing.
- Needles, laid in a thick layer of thirty centimeters. Thanks to its bactericidal properties and the ability to control the temperature, without passing the cold, it will help strawberries to survive severe frosts.
Many experienced gardeners use dark polyethylene in the fight against excess vegetation. It is inexpensive, easy to use and does its job well. The material can be purchased in reinforced and regular form. In the first case, the film has three layers: the first is a stabilizing one, of a silvery shade, the second is represented by a reinforcing mesh, the lower part is black, designed to prevent the growth of weeds. Thanks to this structure, the material can last for more than one year. The unreinforced film is made of special high-pressure polyethylene that blocks out UV radiation and prevents weeds from growing. Its service life is limited to one year.
According to gardeners, the best weed control is black agrofibre.It consists of special heat-treated polypropylene threads, due to which it does not react with the environment, prevents roots from freezing and allows air to pass through.
The shelter is environmentally friendly, has a long service life and is resistant to various mechanical influences.
Which one is better to choose?
Each type of material has its own positive and negative qualities and based on this, you should choose the most suitable one.
| Material | pros | Minuses |
| Organic mulch | An affordable and natural remedy that protects against temperature fluctuations, complements the soil composition, prevents the appearance of pests, pathogens, fungi and bacteria | Weeds may appear, short lifespan, needs updating |
| Polyethylene film | It is guaranteed to protect against weeds, does not come into contact with the cultivated plant, warms up the soil, maintains moisture | Possible condensation and mold, the appearance of harmful insects, suppression of soil microflora, freezing, service life is maximum 2 years |
| Agrofiber | Ecological material, will protect from weeds, overheating, frostbite, ultraviolet radiation and infection with fungal and bacterial infections, will provide air ingress and rapid ripening of fruits, it is used for a long time | High price |
How to plant strawberries under black cover material?
Disembarkation is carried out in spring or early autumn, the day should be cloudy, calm. Before planting, place the seedling in a growth stimulator solution and immerse it vertically in the prepared hole. Gently sprinkle with soil and water so that the liquid does not get under the covering material.
Terms of use
To cover strawberry beds with organic mulching material, you must first prepare a cultivated plant:
- thoroughly loosen and weed the soil;
- get rid of dry leaves and tendrils;
- carry out processing with special chemicals to avoid infection;
- feed the plant using complex fertilizers;
- watering.
The next step is to evenly distribute the mulch so that it does not adhere to the main stem of the bush. To get enough oxygen for the roots, you need to retreat at least 2 cm.
Systematically loosen the mulch for aeration and renew rotten areas.
When using film or fiber, you must:
- prepare the soil in advance by leveling it with a rake;
- spread the material, firmly applying it to the soil, while fixing the ends;
- mark the seats of the bushes, making oval cuts at intervals of 40 cm;
- plant a berry culture in the holes.
Important! So that in the future the mustache does not penetrate under the shelter, pour earth over the material.
How to water strawberries under the covering material?
Mulch films are water and light resistant, and therefore it is recommended to install a drip irrigation system. Reduce the amount of watering, since the material does not allow moisture to evaporate.
Agrofibre is capable of passing water, but immediately after installation, liquid may accumulate on the surface, so for convenience it is worthwhile to carry out drip irrigation.
