Strawberries are not a demanding crop, but some attention must be paid to them for good fruiting. In this article, I want to talk about feeding that will be useful for plants of any age.
Why do strawberries need iodine
Of all the many chemical elements that a berry needs for abundant fruiting, iodine plays an important role.
- Iodine is involved in the synthesis of a number of amino acids and proteins, directly affecting the fruiting of the crop;
- Iodine is simultaneously an antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and fungicidal agent. Top dressing based on it reduces the risk of developing viral and fungal diseases;
- Iodine increases the absorption of nitrogen obtained from the soil - an element that is directly related to the growth and development of plants.
Iodized top dressing is especially important in the spring, when new leaves start growing and an active development process begins.
Is iodine dangerous for strawberries
The concentration of iodine in the solution we need is too low to harm the plant. Mixing of ingredients is carried out far from planting, so getting a dangerous dose of the drug on strawberry bushes is simply excluded.
Any work with iodine should be carried out in sealed gloves. Indeed, in addition to the fact that the substance is poorly washed from the hands, it can leave unpleasant burns.
How to prepare top dressing
Strawberries should be fed with iodized solution on wet soil in volumes from 400 to 700 ml. depending on the size of the bush. Watering is done from a watering can with a fine strainer. It is important not to blur the roots during the procedure.
It will take no more than half an hour to prepare top dressing. The process consists of four simple steps.
- 100 grams of sifted wood ash must be poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 5-7 minutes in a cool place;
- The resulting infusion is poured into a ten-liter bucket filled with warm water and mixed thoroughly. The liquid should be of such a temperature that it is comfortable to hold your hand in it;
- 10 drops of iodine are added to the bucket;
- The solution is mixed again until smooth.
Top dressing should be applied immediately after preparation.
What result should be expected
After iodized dressings, strawberry bushes begin to develop faster, are filled with juice and look livelier. The number of berries increases, and the fruits themselves become larger.
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