Strawberries are one of the most common kinds of berries in the world and they are useful in a lot of different ways.
They are high in Vitamin C and have extraordinary antioxidant properties so it is no wonder they are widely used in the cosmetic industry.
Lots of people grow strawberries domestically so that they can be picked fresh off the vine. Growing these berries is not a challenge so how much water do strawberries need?
Strawberries also do fine in hanging baskets, pocket pots, or other decorative containers, but are best grown outdoors. Strawberries depend on wind and insects for pollination.
Strawberry Cultivars
Strawberries, like most berries, have different cultivars. The most commonly bred ones at home are:
1. Delizz
2. Delizzimo
3. Earliglow
4. AC Wendy
5. Albion
6. All Star
7. Montana
8. Ever sweet
9. Evie-2
10. Flavor Test
11. Galletta
12. Ozark Beauty
13. Purple
14. Chandler
15. Jewel
And so many others too numerous to mention. Strawberries are classified into 2 broad types; mounting and prostrate strawberries.
Mounding strawberries
Mounding strawberries produce both vertical and horizontal growth, giving the plants a rounded appearance. These strains are ideal for containers and hanging baskets.
Prostrate strawberries
Those with a prostrate habit, also known as spreading or creeping, tend to produce more horizontal growth and spread along the ground.
Prostrate strains are great for raised beds and larger grow spaces.
All strawberry varieties have special qualities that set them apart from each other. Whether it’s the size, juiciness, or being hardy and pest-resistant, strawberries will always be a favorite.
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How Much Water Do Strawberries Need Per Day?
Strawberries do not require daily watering. At most, they should be given an inch or two of water every week, depending on the season.
During the dry season, they should be watered more than they would be watered in the dry season.
Watering frequency in hot weather should be increased to 3 or 4 times weekly and 2 times should do for cooler weather.
Mulching is essential when it comes down to the water retention properties of the soil. To avoid watering strawberries many times, you can just add mulch so that the soil can hold moisture for a longer time.
Soil type can also influence how fast the water in the soil dries up. Water in sandy soil drains faster than water in clay or heavy soil.
How Do You Water Strawberries?
To water strawberries, you need to deliver water slowly and steadily. A soaker hose can do this for you effortlessly.
Just set it to low and leave it on. Strawberry roots are on the surface so the water doesn’t even need to go too deep to satisfy the plant.
The best time of day to water strawberries is in the morning. Watering in the morning gives more time for the soil to dry up before you irrigate again, therefore reducing the chances of watering too much.
Do Strawberries Like Wet Or Dry Soil?
Strawberries are comfortable in soil that is neither soggy nor bone dry. The soil should be wet and not waterlogged after irrigation.
Moisture meters can help track how wet or dry the soil is. You can know accurately when your strawberry plants need to be watered when you use one.
Soil that is too wet will make your plants prone to a fungus infestation and more likely to develop root rot.
If you don’t have a moisture meter, use your finger to do the checking.
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Can You Overwater Strawberries?
It is possible to over-water strawberries if you water them every day and for extended periods. Remember strawberry roots don’t go deep and can be easily washed up.
There are tell-tale signs your strawberries are being overwatered. If you notice that your plants are changing color from green to yellow, adjust your watering cycle.
It’s the same if the strawberries begin to wilt. If the tip of the leaves becomes brown or if you observe moldy deposits then you are drowning your strawberry.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering are very similar so you have to strike a balance between too much and not enough.
How Do You Know If Strawberries Need Water?
Signs that your strawberry is not receiving enough water are almost the same as signs that it is being overwatered, as mentioned above.
You can know for sure that your strawberries need water if the soil is dry and it has been a while since you provided water. In addition, the leaves will droop, change color or even fall off.
You should never wait until your strawberry plant is at breaking point before doing the needful. Again, use a moisture meter to track soil moisture.
Planting strawberries in a way that they can receive shade from the hot afternoon sun is an added benefit.
Extra Strawberry Care Tips
Pinching and Pruning
As new plants settle in, pinch off flowers that appear the first two weeks or so. This helps focus growth on roots instead of fruits while strawberries get established and you’ll enjoy better harvests later on.
Fertilizer Addition
Strawberries need a lot of nutrients to produce healthy, fresh fruit. Throughout the growing season, feed your plants the same fertilizer you used when planting, distribute around and between your plants according to label directions, or supplement with a fruit-enhancing fertilizer to encourage more berries.
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Avoid Watering The Fruit
When watering, totally avoid targeting the strawberry fruits on the vines. If you get them wet, they may not dry thoroughly, leading to them rotting on the plant.
Container plants may need daily watering. Always water early in the day so the leaves dry thoroughly before dark.
To wrap this up, keep the soil constantly moist but never soggy to encourage healthy, juicy fruit. Watering is especially important from the time the flower appears until the fruit ripens about four weeks later.
Under normal weather conditions, strawberries need 1 to 2 inches of rain every week. Water as needed during hot dry spells to prevent shallow roots from drying out.
