Strawberries need consistent and adequate watering to thrive, especially during their fruit-bearing season. Here are the key guidelines on how often to water strawberries:
- Watering amount: Generally, strawberries require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the active growing season
- Frequency:
- Newly planted strawberries should be watered thoroughly immediately after planting and then daily for the first week. In the second week, water every other day unless it's very hot and dry. After establishment, watering can be reduced to about once a week or as needed based on soil moisture
* During fruit production, strawberries need the most water, so monitor soil moisture closely and water more frequently if there is no rain, sometimes every 2-3 days in hot, dry weather or for container plants that dry out faster
- Soil moisture check: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Stick your finger into the soil to check moisture; if dry at root depth, water deeply
- Best time to water: Morning watering is recommended to allow leaves to dry and reduce fungal disease risk. In extreme heat, watering in the evening may be necessary if soil is dry
- Watering method: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses placed about 2 inches from the plants are ideal to keep foliage and fruit dry and prevent disease. For container strawberries, watering may be needed daily during hot weather
- Avoid overwatering: Overwatering can cause root rot, wilting, yellowing leaves, slow growth, and diluted fruit flavor. Soil should be moist but not soggy
In summary, water strawberries deeply about 1-2 inches per week, adjust frequency based on weather and soil moisture, prefer morning watering, and use drip or soaker systems to keep plants healthy and productive.
