Strawberries in tubes: complete instructions for growing

The article gives full instructions on how strawberries are grown in pipes: how to choose a pipe, how to plant, and care.

Strawberries in tubes: an introduction

Growing strawberries in PVC pipes: photo

To grow strawberries all year round in a greenhouse, you need them to bring good yields, only then can you recoup what you have invested. But you can reduce the occupied area and at the same time the amount of the crop will not be affected in any way. For this, PVC pipes are ideal. This option for growing strawberries is well suited for those whose business is related to strawberries, as well as for ordinary summer residents. This is an ideal option for those who want to have a large strawberry harvest, but there is no way to place large structures on their site. And this option does not take up much space and can be transferred from one place to another.

Strawberries in PVC pipes: step by step instructions on how to prepare pipes

Growing strawberries in PVC pipes: photo

To build a structure, it takes a little time and effort to install the main (horizontal) pipe. What materials can you need to buy:

• A pipe with a diameter of more than 15 cm.
• An end cap that should be 15 cm in diameter. You will need 2 of these for each pipe.
• The PVC pipe, which is used for cold water, the diameter of such pipes is up to 4 cm. It should be borne in mind that the length of the pipes should be 10-15 more than the main pipe.
• End cap, up to 4 cm in diameter (1 such cap is needed for each pipe).
• A hose that will remove excess water (not a large piece).
• Several water buckets.
• A pump that must have a sensor that will auto-irrigate.
• For drainage, it is worth purchasing expanded clay (it must first be broken into small pieces for the convenience of strawberries).
• Priming.
• The drill should be a crown with a diameter of 10 cm), a hacksaw, a tape measure.

Before you start building such a structure for growing strawberries in pipes, decide how it will look, where you will place it, what size and shape it will have. You can also install pipes on the fence (to save space), but choose a place where the sun gets there well. If you want to create something more ambitious, then first build a support for the upcoming structure. But keep in mind that if, for example, your pipe is 2 m long, then 25 kg of earth will be needed for it. Therefore, the support must be made very strong. Now let's take a closer look at the process of constructing a structure:

• In a wide pipe, it is necessary to build holes, the diameter of which will be 10-15 cm, you need to leave about 15 cm between each other.
• A thin pipe must be drilled so that there are a large number of small holes in it.
• Then the pipe must be wrapped with geotextile or agrofibre and reinforced so that it holds firmly and does not fall off.
• In the wide plugs on both sides, you need to make such a hole so that it matches the diameter of the thin pipe.
• Then, at the bottom of the wide pipe, you need to add expanded clay (about 2-3 cm) and distribute it throughout the pipe.
• On top of the expanded clay, you need to put thin pipes so that their ends can go out into the holes of the plugs that you made.
• In the upper part of the pipe, you need to pour soil into the slots made, distribute it evenly along the entire length of the pipes, and spill it well.
• And an important final step will be that on one side of the pipe you connect a hose with an auto-irrigation sensor, and on the other you install a hose from which excess liquid will be drained.

Having made such a structure, you can not only save money, but also get a good harvest. If the territory is large, then the creation of such a large structure is considered impractical. If you want to make the design even more budgetary, then you can:

• No need to install inner pipes, to create watering, do watering by hand.
• You do not have to buy a hose, to remove excess liquid, make additional holes in the pipe at a distance of 20-25 cm between each other.
• You can not buy soil, but do it yourself. You need to take a little humus, low peat, river sand and mix them in equal proportions.

Planting strawberries in PVC pipes

When the construction for growing strawberries in pipes is ready, you can plant strawberries. For this:

• In the prepared soil, make a depression of about 10 cm.
• Before planting strawberries, its seedlings must be soaked for half a day in any solution that stimulates growth and the appearance of roots.
• The seedlings should be placed in the grooves, evenly distributing the roots and sprinkle them with soil.
• Then spill the seedlings well and cover the seedlings from sunlight for 7 days.

A bed for strawberries from a pipe: care

Growing strawberries in PVC pipes: photo

It is a real pleasure to care for strawberries in pipes. After all, it does not need to be loosened, there is no need to be afraid. That weeds can harm strawberries, do not be afraid that any insects can harm it through the soil. But all the same, you need to ensure that the soil does not dry out in the pipes, and also to monitor the pests. Every 2 weeks, strawberries need to be fertilized with complex fertilizers. If you notice that your strawberry is sick, then immediately remove the affected bush along with the ground.

How strawberries in pipes carry winter

The wintering period for such strawberries is of particular difficulty. After all, you cannot leave it in the open air. There is one way out for this. As soon as the cold comes, you need to wrap the pipes with 2-3 layers of spunbond, which has a category of 60g / sq.m. if the frosts become even more severe, and drop less than -20 degrees, then wrap all the pipes with 1 more layer of this material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Agree that such a design for growing strawberries in PVC pipes can attract your attention. And this is not in vain. After all, it has many advantages:

• Saving space.
• Mobility of the structure (can be transferred to different places)
• Slugs won't get into such a structure.
• There are no weeds, no need to loosen.
• Can be grown all year round
• The fruits are healthier and do not touch the ground.

However, among the advantages, there are some disadvantages:

• The soil will be depleted regularly.
• Monetary cost of the structure.
• The complexity of insulation for the winter season.

It is possible that in the first year you may not get the same harvest as you imagine, but do not despair. Plant for 2 years and you will notice what a good harvest you get.

Growing strawberries in PVC pipes: video