Frequency of Irrigation for Tasty and Juicy Strawberries
Craving the taste of fresh, luscious strawberries in the comfort of your home, even during colder seasons? It's all achievable if you've got some soil, water, and strawberry seeds. But growing strawberries isn't just a matter of planting and forgetting. To ensure a healthy, fruitful harvest, we consulted gardening experts who shared their hints on watering your strawberries.
Gardening Brilliance
- Ryan McEnaney, prominent gardening specialist, and author ofField Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space
- Adrienne Roethling, horticulturist extraordinaire and former curator at the renowned Juniper Level Botanic Gardens at Plant Delights Nursery
Indoor Strawberry Delights Year-Round## Watering Strawberries for Optimal Growth
For best results, water strawberries early in the morning, allowing leaves and fruit to dry off during the day. According to Ryan McEnaney, "this is crucial if you're using a soaker hose as it reduces the likelihood of water splashing on the plant."
How Frequently to Water Strawberries
Generally speaking, strawberry plants require 1 to 2 inches of water per week during their active growing season, which can vary according to the variety. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be cautious not to overdo it and risk waterlogging. McEnaney adds, "Strawberry plants will require more water during dry summers and less during the fall months." Roethling agrees, stating, "no water is necessary during winter months except in warm, dry conditions and with plants in containers."
For ground-grown strawberries, mulching or adding pine straw around the base can help conserve soil moisture, McEnaney suggests.
Factors to Evaluate
Strawberry plants have specific needs when it comes to water, and factors such as sunlight, temperature, humidity, container type, soil, and variety should all be considered. Below are some points our experts believe are essential when determining the watering schedule for your strawberry plants.
Sunlight Exposure
Strawberries thrive in full sun, so it's essential to regularly monitor the soil to ensure it stays consistently moist and promote maximum fruit production.
Temperature Variations
Ideal strawberry temperatures are approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with higher temperatures necessitating more frequent watering due to increased evaporation. Lower temperatures may require less watering. "You can't just follow a strict schedule," says McEnaney, "you have to adapt to the conditions."
Humidity Levels
Higher humidity means strawberry plants will likely need watering less frequently as there's more moisture in the air. "However, in low humidity environments, the plants may require more frequent watering to prevent the leaves from drying out or burning," McEnaney advises.
Container Usage
Strawberries grown in containers or raised beds will typically necessitate more frequent watering, as these containers tend to dry out quicker. Since strawberries have shallow roots, this increases the need for more frequent watering.
Variety Selection
June-bearing strawberries require more water during their fruiting cycle and less throughout the rest of the season, whereas day-neutral strawberries that produce fruit continuously need more consistent moisture all growing season.
Soil Properties
The type of soil your strawberry plants grow in will influence how often they need water. In general, heavier soils with lots of clay retain water better, so water less frequently. However, adding humus and organic matter to the soil will provide the best nutrients and moisture consistency.
If you're unsure about the soil type, consider performing a soil test to ensure you're amending it with the correct nutrients.
Watering Techniques
Drip irrigation is the perfect solution for watering strawberries, as it promotes even moisture without over- or underwatering and reduces the risk of disease due to less water splashing on the fruit and leaves. If drip irrigation isn't an option, McEnaney recommends using a soaker hose to water your strawberries thoroughly. Sprinklers and overhead irrigation should be avoided.
If growing strawberries in containers, place the container on a saucer filled with water, allowing the bottom of the plant to absorb the water. "Watering at the base is always best for producing high-quality fruit and plant health," says Roethling. Avoid wetting the leaves, which could potentially lead to powdery mildew or rot.
- Ryan McEnaney advice for watering garden-grown strawberries suggests using pine straw for mulching, as it helps conserve soil moisture and maintain optimal growth.
- Adrienne Roethling, horticulturist extraordinaire and former curator at renowned Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, recommends adding water at the base of container-grown strawberries to ensure high-quality fruit production and plant health, avoiding wetting leaves that could potentially lead to growth of powdery mildew or rot.
- According to gardening experts, strawberries grown indoors should have their watering schedule adapted to temperature, humidity, and sunlight changes, with trickle irrigation or soaker hose being suitable options for watering without causing over- or underwatering, and reducing the risk of disease.
