Ms. Dương Thu Hương (30 years old, from Phúc Yên, Vĩnh Phúc) has over four years of experience growing strawberries on her rooftop and shares her secrets to successfully cultivating this plant.
Growing Medium (Soil)
Requirements: The soil for growing strawberries should be loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich.
Components: Loamy soil; base fertilizers (well-rotted cow manure, chicken manure, earthworm castings, microbial fertilizers…); treated coconut coir; rice husks, in a ratio of 4-1-4-1.
Loamy soil is unblended soil, and base fertilizers should not be in pellet form. Mix according to the correct ratio because strawberries require very little fertilizer; too much can shock the plants and lead to death.
Ms. Hương watering strawberries on the rooftop. (Photo: Dương Thu Hương)
Planting Method
- Plant the seedlings so that the growing medium only covers the base, not the top of the plant.
- After planting, place the plants outdoors in direct sunlight for photosynthesis.
Caring for the Plants
The amount of water needed each day depends on the temperature and weather conditions where the plants are grown. In hot areas, water 1-2 times a day; in cooler weather, watering every other day may suffice.
Monitor the soil in the pots to determine when the plants need watering. Dry, less humid soil is a sign that the plants require water.
It is advisable to water in the early morning or late afternoon, and avoid watering at night to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizers can be used periodically, such as fish emulsion, banana liquid, NPK…
Rooftop strawberries ready for harvest. (Photo: Dương Thu Hương)
Note: Fertilizers should be diluted; applying concentrated fertilizers can shock the plants and cause death, especially with NPK fertilizers.
Common Diseases in Strawberry Plants
Common pests include thrips, spider mites, powdery mildew, leaf fungi, and root fungi…
It is advisable to seek out branded, specialized treatments, preferably organic, for the safest use.
Read the labels to understand the toxicity levels of the products and choose accordingly.
Some specialized treatments include: Radiant for thrips, Aviso for powdery mildew, Ridomil for fungi, and Amitastop.
