Strawberry farming is a trending agribusiness activity and if you are looking for a complete guide on how to plant and grow strawberries, you are in the right place.
Are you looking to start your own strawberry farm but unsure of where to begin? Look no further! We have compiled the ultimate guide to strawberry farming, complete with planting and growing tips that will help you succeed in this deliciously fruitful endeavor. From soil preparation to pest control, we’ve got you covered. So grab a basket and get ready for a bountiful harvest with our expert advice on all things strawberry farming.
Overview of Strawberry Farming
Strawberry farming is a process that can be both rewarding and challenging. It takes careful planning and execution to grow healthy strawberries, but the end result is worth it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about strawberry farming, from planting to harvesting. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful strawberry farmer in no time!
Where Can Strawberries Be Grown in the Philippines?
The Philippines is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate. The best time to plant strawberries is during the dry season, from October to February.
There are two types of strawberry plants that can be grown in the Philippines: the everbearing strawberry and the day-neutral strawberry. The everbearing strawberry produces fruit throughout the year, while the day-neutral strawberry only produces fruit during certain times of the year.
When choosing a location to plant your strawberries, it is important to choose an area that receives full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Strawberries need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can improve your soil by adding compost or manure before planting.
It is also important to provide support for your strawberry plants. You can do this by placing straws or plastic mulch around the plants. This will help keep the fruit clean and prevent them from being eaten by animals.
Strawberries are typically planted in rows with spacings of 30 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows. When planting, make sure to water the plants thoroughly so that they can establish a strong root system. After planting, you should water your strawberries 2-3 times per week, depending on the weather conditions.
The Different Types of Strawberry Varieties
There are many different types of strawberry varieties, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. The most popular varieties include:
- Alpine strawberries: These small, tart berries are perfect for making jams and jellies.
- Honeoye strawberries: One of the most popular varieties, Honeoye strawberries are sweet and juicy with a bright red color.
- Seascape strawberries: A newer variety, Seascape strawberries are large and sweet with a slightly peppery flavor.
- Chandler strawberries: One of the largest strawberry varieties, Chandler berries are great for fresh eating or preserves.
No matter which type of strawberry you choose to grow, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious crop of these sweet summer fruits!
Some Benefits of Growing Strawberries
Strawberries are a versatile addition to any garden, and their sweet flavor and lovely color make them a favorite fruit among many. But strawberries aren’t just delicious – they’re also good for you! Here are some of the health benefits of eating strawberries:
1. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants.
Antioxidants are important for overall health, but they’re especially beneficial for your skin. They help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, and they can even help improve your complexion.
2. Strawberries can help lower cholesterol levels.
The fiber in strawberries can help lower cholesterol levels, which is good for both your heart and your overall health. Fiber is also beneficial for digestion and can help keep you feeling full after eating.
3. Strawberries may help prevent cancer.
Some studies have shown that the antioxidants in strawberries may help prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer. More research is needed to confirm these results, but it’s clear that strawberries offer many potential health benefits.
Strawberry Farming Tips
If you’re thinking about planting strawberries, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, strawberries need full sun and well-drained soil. They also prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
When it comes to planting, you can either plant bare-root or potted plants. If you live in an area with a long growing season, it’s best to plant bare-root plants in the fall. This gives them time to establish themselves before the hot summer months. Potted plants can be planted anytime from spring to summer.
Once your strawberries are in the ground, make sure to water them regularly – especially during dry spells. Mulching around the plants will also help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
As your strawberry plants start to produce fruit, you’ll need to protect them from birds and other animals that might try to eat them. One way to do this is to cover the plants with netting or cheesecloth.
With proper care, your strawberry plants will produce delicious fruit for years to come!
Common Pests and Diseases of Strawberries
One of the most common pests that affect strawberries are slugs and snails. These creatures love to feast on the ripe fruit, leaving behind tell-tale slime trails. To combat them, you can set out traps baited with beer or use a handheld vacuum to remove them from your plants.
Other common strawberry pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These small insects can suck the sap from your plants, causing them to weaken and produce less fruit. To get rid of them, you can blast them off with a hose or treat your plants with a bar of insecticidal soap.
As for diseases, strawberries are susceptible to a number of fungal infections such as gray mold and powdery mildew. These can be controlled by using fungicide sprays or by practicing good crop rotation.
Harvesting and Yield per Hectare
When it comes to strawberry farming, yield per hectare is important. After all, the more strawberries you can harvest, the more money you can make. So, how can you maximize your strawberry yield?
Here are a few tips:
- Plant early-bearing varieties. These varieties will produce fruit earlier in the season, allowing you to get a jump on the competition.
- Use high-quality planting stock. This will ensure that your plants are healthy and vigorous, which will lead to higher yields.
- Fertilize regularly. A well-fertilized plant will produce more fruit than a plant that isn’t fertilized regularly.
- Water deeply and evenly. Deep, even watering will encourage deep root growth, which will lead to healthier plants and higher yields.
- Thin out your plants. Thinning out your strawberry plants will allow them to put all their energy into producing fruit, rather than producing leaves and stems
Questions Related to Strawberry Farming
Is strawberry farming profitable in the Philippines?
With the acquired knowledge and skills, they started to grow strawberries on their farms which provided them with an average of Php 3,000 weekly income. According to them, the high value of strawberries provided significant profit and an additional source of income.
What is the strawberry capital of the Philippines?
La Trinidad, Benguet is known to be the “Strawberry Capital of the Philippines” because of the Strawberry fields. Visitors can experience strawberry picking and also taste different products made from the strawberry like the strawberry ice cream and strawberry “taho”.
What is the famous strawberry orchard and farms in the Philippines?
The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm is a farm in the town of La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines primarily used for the cultivation of strawberries. The farm is also open to tourism.
What month is the strawberry harvest in the Philippines?
The best season for strawberry picking in La Trinidad is every March to April.
Can strawberries grow in hot weather?
Strawberries flower and fruit in cool to warm temps (60-80 F. or 16-27 C.), so spring planting of strawberries in hot summer climates is doomed to fail. Strawberries may be hard to come by in late summer, as nurseries do not usually carry them at that time.
Which is the best time for strawberry farming?
Strawberry is commercially propagated by runner plants. For large-scale propagation of virus-free plants, tissue culture is widely used. The ideal time for planting runners or crowns in hilly areas is September-October. If the planting is done too early, plants lack vigor and result in low yield and quality of fruits.
Are strawberries native to the Philippines?
Strawberries were first introduced to the La Trinidad, Benguet area by the Spaniards, later re-introduced by the Americans, and further cultivated by the Japanese.
Conclusion
Strawberry farming is a great way to increase your food production while enjoying the fruits of your labor. Planting and growing strawberries can be challenging, but with these tips, you will find it easier than ever before. By following our best practices for planting and growing strawberries, you can ensure a successful crop in no time. With the right preparation and maintenance regime, you’ll soon be on your way to harvesting sweet delicious berries that are sure to wow family and friends alike!
See Also:
- Turmeric Farming: How to Pant and Grow Turmeric
- The Ultimate Guide to Pear Farming
- Cabbage Farming: How to Plant and Grow Cabbage
- Kangkong Farming: How to Plant and Grow Kangkong
- Apple Farming: Can Apple Grow in the Philippines?