Plenty of sunlight and the right amount of water are the two big secrets to a bumper crop of juicy strawberries. But believe it or not, watering is where most gardeners trip up! It’s all about finding that “Goldilocks” zone—not too little, but definitely not too much. Here’s everything you need to know to get it just right.
The Best Way to Water Your Strawberries
When your strawberry plants are busy ripening those delicious berries, they get pretty thirsty and need a steady supply of water. The trick is to water directly at the base of the plant near the roots. Try to keep the leaves and the fruit itself dry to prevent rot. As for timing, early morning is your best bet. Whatever you do, avoid watering in the heat of the midday sun; the water will just evaporate before the plant can drink it up, leaving your strawberries parched for the rest of the day.
To make sure the water actually reaches the roots instead of just sitting on top, try gently loosening the soil before you start. When it comes to the water itself, rainwater is the gold standard, but pond water or tap water that’s been sitting out for a bit works great too. On those scorching summer days, your plants might need a drink a few times a day. It’s much better to give them smaller amounts of water more frequently than to drown them all at once. Remember: strawberries hate “wet feet.” If they’re sitting in stagnant water, they can develop root rot, which is bad news for your harvest.
