How to Water Strawberries

A strawberry patch requires regular maintenance to remain productive. Correct irrigation practices ensure the plants produce as many berries as possible. Under-watered plants suffer from wilt, and they also flower and fruit poorly. Fruits are often small, and they don't fully develop their flavor if the plants suffer from water stress at any point in the summer season. Good strawberry irrigation practices begin at planting and continue throughout the entire growing season.

Things You'll Need

Fertilizer

Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Dissolve 2 tbsp. of 10-10-10 soluble fertilizer in a gallon of water. Water newly planted strawberries with the 1 cup of the solution per plant, immediately after planting. This starter fertilizer water encourages the roots to grow and establish quickly in the bed.
- 2
  Spread a thin 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch on top of the soil and beneath the strawberry foliage. Straw and bark mulch works well, but don't cover the plants with the material. Mulch prevents soils from drying out too quickly.
- 3
  Water the bed once weekly when the plants are growing in spring and summer. Provide approximately 1 inch of water to the bed. An inch of water moistens the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil.
- 4
  Check soil moisture every three to four days during hot, dry weather. Water more frequently if the top 1 to 2 inches of soil begins to feel dry, but do not supply more than an inch of water in a single irrigation. Soggy soil causes strawberry roots to rot.

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