How Often to Water Strawberries for Delicious, Juicy Fruit All Season Long

Does the idea of fresh, juicy strawberries growing in your backyard or on your windowsill sound appealing? This dream is easy to achieve with some soil, water, and strawberry seeds. But there's more to growing this fruit-bearing plant than just planting and forgetting it.

Strawberries need consistent moisture in order to get established and stay healthy as they reach maturity. But too much water and you run the risk of disease and rotting fruit. To ensure the health of your strawberry plants, we spoke to gardening experts who shared their tips for watering this fruit.

When to Water Strawberries

It is best to water strawberries early in the morning, giving the leaves and fruit time to dry off throughout the day. "This is especially important if you are watering with a soaker hose where the possibility of water splashing on the plant is greater," says gardening expert Ryan McEnaney.

How Often to Water Strawberries

Generally, strawberry plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the active growing season, which varies depending on the variety. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. If it feels dry to the touch, your plants need a drink. "These plants will need more water during dry summers and less during the fall months," says gardening expert Adrienne Roethling. "No water is needed during the winter months except for warm, dry winters and if grown in containers."

Factors to Consider

While strawberry plants need a certain amount of water per week in order to thrive, how often you water these berries varies depending on several factors. Here are some things our experts say to keep in mind when watering your strawberry plants.

Sunlight

Strawberries thrive in full sun, meaning they can dry out quickly. McEnaney says to regularly check the soil to ensure it stays consistently moist to maximize fruit production.

Temperature

Strawberries prefer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. "Increased temperatures mean that you may need to water more frequently," says McEnaney. "Increased transpiration and evaporation lead to greater water need, so this is why you can’t just set a schedule and stick to it." In the same vein, strawberry plants may need less water when temperatures are cooler.

Humidity

Strawberry plants will likely need to be watered less often when humidity is high. Higher humidity means there’s more moisture in the air, which increases the opportunity for disease to settle in. "In low humidity environments, it’s similar to high temperatures," says McEnaney. "Be sure to keep the plants evenly watered with a soaker hose so the plant doesn’t dry out or allow the leaves to begin to burn."

Containers

Strawberries grown in containers or raised beds will typically require more frequent watering than in-ground strawberries. "The containers tend to dry out faster, and since strawberries have shallow roots, that compounds the need for more frequent watering," says McEnaney.

Variety

Strawberries should be watered during their active growing season, which varies depending on the variety you're growing. "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 throughout the season need more consistent moisture all growing season," says McEnaney.

Soil

The type of soil strawberry plants are grow in will dictate how often they need water. "Heavier soils that have a lot of clay will retain water better than really sandy soil. So, if you’ve got clay soil you may not need to water as much as a sandier mix," says McEnaney. "That said, amending your soil to be rich with humus and organic matter will not only give you the best nutrients, but also be more consistent for moisture levels."

How to Water Strawberries

Drip irrigation is the best way to water strawberries, allowing for consistently even moisture without over or underwatering. "Drip irrigation also limits the water that splashes on the fruit and leaves, which reduces the risk of disease," says McEnaney. If you don’t have drip irrigation, McEnaney says to use a soaker hose to water your strawberries deeply. Avoid overhead irrigation or sprinklers.

If growing strawberries in containers, fill a saucer with water and place the container on top so the bottom of the plant absorbs the water. "Watering at the base is always going to produce better fruit and overall health of the plant," says Roethling. "Foliage that is wet could lead to powdery mildew or rot."

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatered strawberry plants may show signs of brown circling on the leaves, moldy fruit, droopy leaves, or smelly roots. Symptoms of over and underwatering can present similarly. "To tell the difference, stick your fingers in the soil; if it’s soggy, the plant is likely overwatered," says McEnaney.

Signs of Underwatering

An underwatered strawberry plant will have crispy, dry leaves. "Underwatering is one of the core reasons your strawberry won’t perform well and produce fruit," says McEnaney. "Be sure to check the soil regularly to ensure it’s consistently moist."