Strawberry popularity spans the globe and is attributed to the fruit’s sweet and juicy flavor. They are cultivated in a number of nations, some of which produce more strawberries than others. The United States produces the most strawberries, followed by Spain and Mexico, according to recent figures.
With around 80% of the nation’s total strawberry production, California leads the way in strawberry production in the US. Significant producers also include Florida and Oregon. In Europe, Spain produces the most strawberries, with Huelva serving as the primary agricultural area. Mexico is a significant producer, with the most significant states being Baja California and Michoacán.
Farmers must provide the plants enough nutrients to create big crops of strawberries. For strawberries to develop properly, fertilizer is necessary. The kind and quantity of fertilizer needed depends on the amount of nutrients in the soil. The best fertilizer for strawberry plants is one that contains equal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Farmers must also make sure the plants get adequate sunlight and water to flourish.
Although strawberries can grow on a slope, doing so is not recommended because it might cause soil erosion. Farmers must terrace the ground to produce strawberries on a slope in order to stop soil erosion. Additionally, they must guarantee that the soil has excellent drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can result in root rot.
The pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 on loamy soil is ideal for strawberry growth. To avoid waterlogging, the soil should be rich in organic matter and well-draining. Additionally, growers should refrain from planting strawberries in soil that has recently supported recent crops of the same family, such as tomatoes or peppers. This is because these crops have the potential to infect strawberries with illnesses.
Although a strawberry plant can produce fruit for up to five years, the yield gets down as time goes on. Depending on the environment and growing circumstances, farmers can harvest strawberries two to three times per year. The first harvest often occurs in the late spring or early summer, while the following harvests happen in the late summer and early fall.
In conclusion, the biggest strawberry producers worldwide are the United States, Spain, and Mexico. Farmers need to give the plants with enough nutrients, water, and sunlight for the plants to grow strawberries successfully. On a slope, strawberries can be grown, but terracing is necessary to prevent soil loss. Strawberry plants thrive on loamy soil that has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Two to three harvests can be made from a strawberry plant per year for up to five years of fruit production.