Today, strawberry supports can be purchased at any hardware store. They are so popular that they are often traded in stock for relatively little money. However, cost is not always the deciding factor. It often takes much longer and more difficult to get to the store than buying the product itself. This problem is especially relevant for gardeners who spend all summer in their suburban area.
If you can't buy supports for strawberries, you can do them yourself. Scissors and plastic bottles will help us with this.
Option number 1
This method involves creating a support from the middle part of the bottle.
Step 1 - cut out the workpiece
First, we need to decide on the bottle. In my opinion, a six-liter plastic canister is best suited for these purposes. Its size is enough for almost all strawberry bushes.
After the container is selected, cut off the neck and bottom of it. We get a rather tall cylinder, so it can be divided into two parts. This means that a pair of supports is already coming out of one bottle. The height directly depends on the bushes and is selected individually.
Step 2 - Cut out the petals
After the cylinder of the desired height is ready, we need to cut out the petals. It is on them that the strawberry twigs will fall when the berries ripen. To do this, along the entire circumference, we make cuts with a lip from 2 to 5 cm. Next, bend the petals outward and cut off the sharp edges.
In order for the support to be installed without harm to the plant, a cross section must be made from the side.
Step 3 - Install the support
Now you need to carefully install the support in such a way that it encircles the bush as close to the base as possible. With the right choice of height, the branches themselves will fall on the petals.
For normal air circulation, several dozen small holes can be made in the walls of the support.
Option number 2
This method involves the use of the entire bottom of the bottle together with the bottom. Using both methods at once, up to three supports can be obtained from one plastic canister.
This is a rather rare method that I have not yet met on the Internet.
Step 1 - cut out the workpiece
We need to cut off the bottom of the bottle with walls about 10 cm high. In this case, the error may be slightly larger, since the support will be pressed deeper into the ground. The shape of the canister does not matter.
Step 2 - cut out the racks
Now we need to cut the racks of our future support. The amount doesn't matter. The device will perform its function equally well on both three and five legs.
Since the plastic on the sides of the bottle is quite soft, the racks need to be folded as shown in the photo. This will add stiffening ribs, which will make the structure more stable.
Step 3 - cut a hole for the bush
Finally, you need to cut a hole for the strawberry bush. The diameter depends on the size of the rosette and is individually selected for each plant. A wide enough cut should lead to the hole so as not to damage the strawberries during installation.
To prevent sharp edges from cutting delicate branches, they should be melted with a lighter. It is not worth keeping the fire for a long time, otherwise the whole structure will begin to deform.
Step 4 - Install the support
Now you need to carefully install the support. To make it easier to press the legs into the ground, shallow pits can be made under them in advance. When the strawberries begin to bear fruit, the twigs will lay on the support themselves.
Read also on my website -How to fertilize strawberries so that the berries are large
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