Strawberries generally need consistent watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially from flowering through fruit ripening, which is about four weeks. During normal weather, they require about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, which typically means watering 2 to 3 times weekly. In hot, dry conditions, watering may need to be more frequent, even daily for container plants or during very warm periods, to prevent shallow roots from drying out
. Key points for watering strawberries:
- Water early in the day so foliage dries before night to reduce disease risk
- Check soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep; water if dry
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to roots and avoid wetting foliage, which can cause fungal diseases
- During the non-peak season, watering twice a week is usually sufficient to keep soil moist
- After flowering and during fruit development (late spring to early summer), strawberries need the most water; insufficient water during this time reduces fruit size and yield
In summary, water strawberries about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, adjusting frequency based on weather and soil type, with more frequent watering during hot or dry spells and less during cooler or rainy periods. Always aim to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for healthy growth and abundant fruit
