Strawberries are famous around the globe due to their sweet and sour taste. When provided with optimal conditions they grow vigorously. But have you ever wondered how often to water strawberries to have a thriving crop? The answer is that this plant requires up to 2 inches of water per day.
However, the exact watering requirement depends on various factors such as the soil type, climate of the area, watering method, etc. But you need to be careful to prevent overwatering the plant because this may lead to certain other damages. In this blog, we have discussed the watering needs of strawberries, the factors affecting these needs, and the methods of watering strawberry plants. So, keep reading till the end!
What Are the Water Requirements of Strawberries
If you want to grow a thriving strawberry plant in your garden, then make sure to provide it with maximum water. As the strawberry plant requires consistent moisture throughout its growth for the healthy and maximum amount of fruit. Generally, the plant requires 1 to 2 inches of water regularly for thriving growth.
However, water needs depend on various factors like climate, soil type, plant size, etc. But it is essential to maintain optimal watering balance to avoid Excessive watering and underwatering. In addition, the use of well-drained soil is best to prevent overwatering conditions.
Factors Affecting the Watering Requirements of Strawberries
It is important to understand the factors that affect the watering requirements of your strawberry plants to ensure optimal growth of the plant. Here is the list of these factors:
1. Type of the Soil
Well-drained soil works best for the Strawberry plant. However, soil type can also highly affect the water needs of strawberry plants e.g, you should need to provide regular watering to your plant if the soil is Sandy because of its quick drainage. Whereas, if you are using clay soil then you do not need to provide much water as it can retain moisture for longer.
2. Weather Conditions
If the weather or climate of the surrounding area of the strawberry plant is hot and dry, you should ensure frequent watering for your plant to keep it hydrated. Whereas, in cold weather, you need to provide less water to your strawberry plant.
3. Age and Size of Plant
A young strawberry plant requires more water compared to a mature plant. The root systems of young plants need more water for proper growth and development. Moreover, grown-up plants with expanded root systems may need more water than smaller plants.
4. Watering Method
The healthy growth of plants and water requirements also depend on what type of watering method you are using. According to experts, the drip irrigation method is more effective than overhead watering. Drip watering also prevents the wastage of water.
5. Stage of Growth
Another important factor that determines the watering needs of a strawberry plant is its growth stage. At the younger stage, you need to provide frequent water to help it develop a stronger root system. When plants produce fruit, they may require more water to support fruit development.
Excessive or Less Watering Conditions
You need to prevent your plant from underwatering or excessive watering, to promote its healthy development. Following are the key signs that help you determine whether your strawberry plants are being overly watered or underwatered:
Signs of Excessive watering
The leaves of the plant start to turn yellow or brown or wilt and droop under excessive watering. Furthermore, the growth of the plant becomes stunted, and different fungal diseases along with root rot arise.
Signs of Less Watering
In the underwatering conditions of the plant, its leaves become dry and fragile and wilt or droop. The growth of the plant becomes slow. In addition, the fruits formed in this condition are smaller in size, hard, or disfigured.
You should reduce the watering amount and improve drainage in the case of excessive watering. While on the other hand, increase the watering amount and select suitable watering methods so plants will get proper moisture if they face underwatering.
(Expert-Tip: Sometimes strawberry plants indicate various issues due to other reasons like pest attack or nutrient deficiency. So, make sure to inspect the situation closely and prevent the problem before it fully arises.)
How Much Water Do Strawberry Plants Need in Winter
In winter, you need to water your strawberry plant depending on the climate and specific needs of your plants. If it is raining, you do not need to provide additional watering. However, provide them with consistent water when the weather is dry.
But to avoid excessive watering and underwatering, first, check the moisture level of the soil. Check the top 1-inch layer of soil with your finger. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water, and if the soil is moist, wait for a few days and then check it again. Generally, reducing the water frequency in winter is good because plants do not grow actively and require less water.
How Much Water Do Potted Strawberry Plants Require
The drainage of water in potted strawberry plants is better than the garden-grown strawberry plants, so you need to ensure consistent watering. However, if the temperature is high or the soil becomes dry, you should water it daily. The maintenance of potted strawberries is not tough as you can control their watering needs easily.
Due to a proper drainage system, excessive water drains out from the pot and keeps the soil soggy. That is why, you may need to water the potted plant daily. Keep an eye on the water requirements of the plant, especially when the flowers appear, and the fruit produces. In some cases, it may happen in four weeks.
What Are the Stages of Strawberry Plant Growth
The strawberry plant’s watering amount and needs depend on the stage of growth of the plant. Check the following details that are related to the growth stages of the strawberry plant:
1. The Establishment Stage
The few weeks after planting strawberry seeds are very important. You need to provide consistent watering to the plant to promote a healthy root system in them. In this stage, water the plant up to 2 times a week. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not soggy.
2. Vegetative Growth Stage
After the establishment of the root system of the plant, its vegetative growth starts. At this stage, they need less watering so, you can water them once a week for healthy root development.
3. Flowering and Fruiting Stage
When the plant enters its flowering and fruiting stage, ensure consistent watering. Because it promotes healthier development of the plant. Try to water your plant up to 2 times a week and ensure its soil remains moist.
4. Ripening Stage
On ripening of the fruit, reduce the watering amount to avoid the fruit from breaking. Water the plants once every 7 to 10 days. Allow the soil to dry slightly during the watering phase at this ripening phase.
(Remember: You can set the watering routine of your plant through its soil’s moisture level check. Don’t let the plant dehydrate or overwater. It is better to water deeply and less frequently as it will encourage a strong root system. Moreover, watering the plants in the morning or early evening prevents water loss and evaporation.)
What Are the Ways to Check Soil Moisture Levels
It is essential to check the moisture level to determine the amount of watering. You can check the soil moisture levels using the following methods:
1. Visible Inspection
You can check the soil moisture by checking visible signs, just look at the soil around the strawberry plants and see if it is dry or moist. Dry soil will be light in color and contain cracks. But the moist soil will be dark in color and look chunky.
2. Finger Test
It is a simple method to check the moisture level. Just put your fingers into the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. If you feel dryness in the soil, it’s time to water; if you feel moist, wait a few days for the next watering.
3. Moisture Meter Test
Use a moisture meter to check the soil. This device measures the soil’s moisture level and helps you determine when is the right time to water your strawberry plants. A moisture meter can do the job efficiently.
You can choose any method for measuring the moisture level. But the important thing is to check the moisture regularly to meet the watering conditions for strawberry plants for productive growth.
How to Set Amount of Watering Based on Weather Conditions
You need to follow different watering routines considering different weather conditions. You can use the following instructions to set the watering routine of your plant according to the weather:
1. Hot Weather Conditions
Strawberries require more frequent watering during dry and hot weather to prevent the soil from drying. So, provide them with deep watering when the soil gets dry. Water early morning and early evening to avoid water loss.
2. Rainy Weather Conditions
There is no need to water the strawberry plants if there is rainfall in your area. In the case of heavy rainfall, waterlogging may happen. You should check the moisture level of the soil and water the plants when it becomes crucial.
3. Cool Weather Conditions
Strawberry plants need less frequent watering during cloudy and cool weather. In winter, the plant grows less and requires less water. So before watering, check the soil’s moisture level and wait a few days before the next watering.
4. Windy Weather Conditions
Water can evaporate quickly in strong winds and dry the soil around the strawberry plants. It is good to water the plants deeply so that it reaches the root during windy weather.
Methods of Watering Strawberries
There are various methods to water strawberries, and all of them have their pros and cons, so let’s take a deeper look at them. You can use different methods for watering strawberry plants to ensure the right amount of water reaches the roots. Some of the methods are the following:
1. Drip Irrigation
In this method, you can deliver the water directly to the roots of the strawberry plants through a tubing network. This is one of the efficient methods that will help to save water because it provides water to the plants slowly and directly to the roots. It is an efficient method to avoid wastage of water and it transports water to the roots of the plant. But its set up costs is higher and it requires regular maintenance. Whereas, you can not install it in rocky or uneven land.
2. Soaker Hoses
It is another method to deliver water directly to the roots of strawberry plants. The water absorbs into the soil around the plant through hoses, which later release water evenly and slowly. This method reduces water usage and directly takes it to the roots of the plant. Its installation and maintenance are easy.
However, It may require higher water pressure to function properly and sometimes water distribution may be uneven if the hose is placed incorrectly. Whereas, clogging occurs if not properly maintained.
3. Sprinklers
Sprinklers are common to water plants but are less efficient than hoses or drip irrigation. However, if you use this method to water strawberry plants, it is good to water early morning or late evening to prevent water loss. The method provides equal water coverage in a large area and is easy to install and use. Whereas, it effectively cools down the surrounding air on hot days.
However, It can be less efficient due to evaporation and runoff. In addition, water distribution may be irregular if the sprinkler heads are placed incorrectly. It is a costly method and may also promote fungal diseases.
4. Hand Watering
You can water the plant with your hands as it is an amazing and simple technique to water strawberry plants. You can use either a can of water or a pipe with a nozzle to water the plant. Make sure that the water absors in the soil and is not waterlogged. You can control the watering amount and easily target specific areas that may require more water. But It is time-consuming, especially for large areas, and may lead to water wastage if not done properly.
You can use any method but ensure it goes deep and reaches the roots for effective growth. You can compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method and pick according to your needs and conditions.
Useful Tips for Efficient Watering of Strawberry Plant
Efficient watering is crucial for the health of strawberry plants. Following are the helpful tips to prevent water wastage:
1. Water Deeply
It is good to water plants deeply and infrequently instead of shallowly and frequently. The deep watering practice prevents water loss and also promotes root growth.
2. Water in the Morning
When you water in the morning, the plants absorb it before the day’s heat. It prevents not only water loss but also fungal diseases.
3. Mulching the Plant
Mulching is an essential technique to retain moisture in the soil. So, you can mulch around the area of your plant to regulate the soil temperature and keep it hydrated.
4. Monitor Soil Moisture
Check the soil moisture regularly with moisture meter or your finger. If the top soil is dry, water it, but don’t overwater the area as it leads to rot roots and other issues.
5. Use Efficient Watering Methods
Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering are all efficient watering methods that allow for fine water delivery.
6. Avoid Watering Leaves and Fruit
Watering leaves and fruits may lead to fungal diseases. So, try to water the tip of the plant near the soil.
Conclusion
The strawberry plant thrives well when provided with optimal growing conditions. In addition, watering is a most essential aspect of the growth of the healthy strawberry plant. The watering routine or amount depends on different factors, including growth stage, weather, and soil type. After reading this guide, you can consider the various factors before watering strawberries and can determine which watering technique is best for your strawberry plant. However, ensure to deeply water the plant when required to have a successful yield!
FAQs
1. Which Is the Best Method to Water My Strawberry Plant?
Usually, the drip irrigation method is recommended. However, you can choose other effective methods like hand watering or soaker hoses depending on the needs of your strawberry plant and the climate of the area.
2. Does a Strawberry Plant Require Regular Watering?
You can water the plant by checking different factors e.g. soil, climate, growth stage, variety of plants, etc. Usually, 1 to 2 inches of water is daily required. But it depends, so you can check the soil moisture level first.
3. What Are the Signs of Overwatering in the Strawberry Plant?
If you notice that the leaves of the plant start to turn yellow or brown or drooped or wilt, your plant’s growth stunts, then it is a result of excessive watering. Furthermore, if fungal diseases arise or you notice root rot then you also need some preventive measures for overwatering.