Technical Route for Growing Strawberries from Waiting Bed

Waiting Bed (WB) strawberry plants are an intermediate solution between Tray plants and traditional bare-root plants, offering an interesting alternative for strawberry crops. They simplify certain growing steps while maximizing plant vigor and quality. Unlike Tray plants, which require a soilless growing phase, Waiting Bed plants are grown from plants transplanted directly into the ground. These bare-root plants are pulled up in December, after the vegetative period, then stored in a cold room for planting between December and May-June.

In this article, we will detail the technical route to follow to successfully grow strawberries from Waiting Bed plants, from receiving the plants to harvesting the fruits.

Strawberry Plants Waiting Bed: Definition

Waiting Bed plants are obtained from nurseries, where fresh plants or plugs are transplanted and started in the ground. Once developed, these plants are pulled up in winter and then stored in specific conditions (cold room). They are then replanted by growers at the desired time. Unlike bare-root plants harvested in summer, Waiting Bed plants are pulled up after the vegetative period has stopped, which gives them better resistance to stress.

This type of plant is particularly appreciated for its ability to produce quickly after planting, thus reducing the time before harvest. In addition, it combines some of the advantages of fresh plants and plug plants, but at a more affordable cost than the latter.

Reception of plants

• Store in a cool place : If you can't plant the seedlings immediately, it's crucial to keep them in a cool place, between 2°C and 4°C, away from direct light and wind. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents the roots from drying out.

Soil preparation

Soil preparation is an essential step for successful Waiting Bed strawberry growing. Properly prepared soil promotes good rooting and optimal growth.

• Choosing the right soil : Strawberries prefer loamy, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. The ideal pH is between 5.8 and 6.2. Clay, heavy, or chalky soils can affect plant growth, especially for certain sensitive varieties like Gariguette.
• Amend the soil : Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure. This also promotes water retention.
• Adjust pH : Depending on the soil analysis, adjust the pH with lime for overly acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline soils.
• Work the soil : Loosen the soil to a depth of 20 to 30 cm using a spade or a cultivator. This action helps eliminate weeds and aerate the soil to facilitate the rooting of the plants.
• Create mounds (optional) : If the soil is wet, creating mounds of 10 to 20 cm can improve drainage and reduce the risk of root asphyxiation.

Planting Waiting Bed plants

Waiting Bed plants are generally planted between December and May-June. Following the correct steps will maximize recovery and ensure vigorous strawberry growth.

• Planting Period : The optimal planting period varies depending on local climatic conditions. However, it is recommended to plant Waiting Beds during a window from December to June.
• Spacing : The spacing between plants should be adapted to the type of crop. For example, in open-field cultivation, a spacing of 30 to 45 cm between plants and 90 to 120 cm between rows is recommended.
• Planting depth : Plants should be planted with the root collar at ground level. A buried root collar can encourage rot, while an exposed root collar increases the risk of drying out.
• Watering : Water generously after planting to thoroughly moisten the soil around the roots. This allows the plants to establish well and reduces transplant shock.

Waiting Bed Plant Maintenance

Once planted, Waiting Bed strawberry plants require careful maintenance to ensure optimal production. Here are the main maintenance points:

• Irrigation : Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the root development period. A drip irrigation system is ideal for providing a controlled water supply. However, avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases.
• Fertilization : Before planting, apply a base dressing according to the soil's needs. During the season, apply NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizers in small increments to meet the strawberry plants' needs.
• Weeding : Regular weeding is essential to limit weed competition, but be careful not to damage the surface roots of the strawberry plants.
• Mulching : Using organic or plastic mulch helps retain soil moisture, limit weeds and protect fruit from contact with the soil.
• Runner control : In late summer, it is recommended to remove runners to prevent plants from becoming exhausted.
• Plant protection : Monitor your strawberry plants for the appearance of diseases or pests. Aerating your crops helps prevent botrytis, while biological treatments can be used to control diseases and harmful insects.

Strawberry harvest

After months of careful attention, strawberry harvesting marks the culmination of your efforts. Here are some tips for harvesting your strawberries in optimal conditions:

• Optimal timing : Strawberries should be harvested when they are fully ripe, red, and smell sweet. Ideally, they should be picked early in the morning to preserve their freshness.
• Multi-pass harvesting : To obtain optimal fruit quality, multi-pass harvesting is recommended. This allows the fruit to be harvested at the ideal time.
• Careful handling : Strawberries are fragile fruits, so it is important to handle them carefully to avoid injuries that could reduce their shelf life.
• Storage : After harvesting, place strawberries in a cool environment to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Conclusion

Growing Waiting Bed strawberry plants combines the ease of use of bare-root plants with the benefits of open-ground preparation. This technical approach allows you to maximize plant recovery and achieve early and abundant production of high-quality strawberries. By following the steps outlined, from soil preparation to harvest, you will maximize your chances of success when growing Waiting Bed strawberries.