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Steps in Strawberry Growing

Strawberry is an emerging high-demand fruit that is easy to grow, with the first harvest occurring after only two and a half months. It grows best with well-distributed rainfall of 1200mm annually or irrigation, a pH of 5.5-6.5, and well-drained deep loam or sandy soil rich in humus. Chandler is one of the best varieties, producing large, good-flavored fruits. Proper growing involves preparing soil, using healthy plant materials spaced 30cm apart, mulching, fertilizing, controlling pests and diseases, pruning, and harvesting after 75-90 days.

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158 views

Steps in Strawberry Growing

Strawberry is an emerging high-demand fruit that is easy to grow, with the first harvest occurring after only two and a half months. It grows best with well-distributed rainfall of 1200mm annually or irrigation, a pH of 5.5-6.5, and well-drained deep loam or sandy soil rich in humus. Chandler is one of the best varieties, producing large, good-flavored fruits. Proper growing involves preparing soil, using healthy plant materials spaced 30cm apart, mulching, fertilizing, controlling pests and diseases, pruning, and harvesting after 75-90 days.

Uploaded by

alexmuchmure2158
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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STRAWBERRY FARMING

Strawberry is among emerging fruits with high demand and largely embraced by a good number
of growers in Kenya. It is easy to grow and takes only two and half months for you to realize the
first harvest.

Ecological requirements
Rainfall: Well distributed range of 1200mm per annum. For dry areas, you can do it under
irrigation (use drip irrigation to minimize cases of fungal diseases)
pH: The ideal PH for strawberry is 5.5-6.5. Do a soil test to determine the Ph of your soil.
Soils: Well drained deep loam to sandy soils and rich in humus

Common varieties
- Chandler (one of the best varieties with large fruits and good flavour. )
- Other: Douglas - Selva - Fern - Pajaro - Aiko

Steps in strawberry growing


1. Prepare the land to a fine tilth
Select a plot in which potatoes, tomato, capsicum, okra, brinjals or eggplant has not been
previously been grown. They share the same pests and diseases. Dig the field one month before
planting to kill all weeds. 2 weeks to planting, harrow to achieve a fine tilth. While digging
incorporate manure into the soil to improve the soil nutrition since Strawberry is a heavy feeder.

Prepare the land to a fine tilth

2. Select the healthy and vigorous growing planting material


Use splits or runners to plant strawberry. Seeds take time to germinate and sometimes may not be
viable. We recommend you treat the planting materials with a fungicide before planting.
Where to source seedlings?
The common sources of strawberry seedlings are:
- Agriluga company: 0722 230990
- Plant-a-Fruit: 0714118794
- JKUAT Enterprises: Call 0726726471
- The strawberry farm: 0723701237
Use a split/runner from mother plant which has a rhizome (short underground roots)

4. Make shallow holes of 10-15cm using a spacing of 30cm by 30cm

Space plants at 30cm by 30cm Depth that just to covers the roots
5. You can also plant on pots or sacks under limited space. Water the crops 2-3 times in a week.
Field Management
1. Mulch using dry grass/leaves. This helps conserve moisture, kill weeds and get clean
fruits because they are not in contact with the soil

Mulch to kill weeds and get clean fruits


2. Weed by hand to remove weeds and avoid competition of nutrients
3. Apply fertiliser
When using splits as the planting material,do not use any fertilizer to avoid dehydration.
Apply CAN fertilizer 30 days after planting at the rate of 10g around each plant.
At the 2nd month, top-dress with N.P.K 17.17.17 and apply foliar fertilizers regularly
4. Control pests and diseases
Pests: The most common strawberry pests are the birds and you prevent them by covering your
strawberries with a fish net. For other insects and pests use appropriate insecticide

Spray with insecticides and raise under nets to keep off pests causing diseases
Diseases: Common strawberry diseases are Leaf Spot and Gray Mould. Control using effective
fungicides.

Signs of gray mold in strawberry fruit Leaf spot


6. De-buding & Pruning.
Remove the first and second flowers after 2-3 months. This allows the plant yield good fruits.
If your plant is too bushy, prune to allow proper air circulation and avoid dampness that may
cause fungal diseases.

Maturity and harvesting


Most varieties take 75-90 (two and half to 3 months) days to mature. Pick berries when it is 2/3
ripe. You will harvest the crop for up to 3 years.

Marketing
Contract the following firms to help you market your strawberries:
- Fruit companies like trufood, zesta, Brookside or KCC
- OLX on 0709 924 000
- Sell to stalls e.g supermarkets.

For help, contact iShamba on 0711082606.

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