How to water strawberries?

Strawberries are grown by many gardeners. And this is not surprising, because the berries are very tasty and useful, and their cost in the market and in the supermarket is quite high. But on the site it can be planted in sufficient quantity and enjoy its rich taste and aroma all the family.

Of course, the process of caring for strawberries is not simple: it must be properly thinned, provide optimal watering, and this requires certain knowledge and skills. About how to properly water the garden strawberries and talk in this article.

How often do strawberries need watering?

Since the root system of the strawberry is located in the surface layer of the soil, it is not able to extract moisture from the depths of the earth. Accordingly, the strawberry bush need regular watering. Depending on the composition of the soil, the amount of watering varies. So, loamy soil needs to be watered more abundantly, rather than easier.

Also, the watering regime will depend on the weather conditions. If the spring is dry, irrigation can begin already from the end of April and all the following months (May, June and July) enough watering three times a month. Further watering continues, but is reduced to two times a month. In October, the amount of water should be reduced. The approximate rate of irrigation is up to 12 liters per square meter.

How to water a blossoming strawberry?

The flowering period is the time when strawberries are in great need of sufficient moisture. Be sure to ensure full irrigation - this minimizes the risk of crop loss and will not allow the spread of gray rot. During flowering, the ideal way to water is drip.

If you pour strawberries by hand, do not use cold water. When it is better to water strawberries - in the morning or in the evening: definitely, the best time for irrigation is early morning. During the rainy days, it is better to cover the strawberries with a film to prevent the pollen from flushing off the pestles. The norm of watering at flowering - 20-25 liters per square meter, the soil should soak to a depth of 25 cm.

To keep moisture in the soil longer, you can cover the beds with pine needles. Mulching protects the soil from drying and cracking, and strawberries feel more comfortable. In addition, mulch prevents contamination of strawberries, which often happens during heavy rains.

How correctly to water strawberries during fruiting?

When the bushes are already developing a crop, water should be applied as necessary and only on the soil (not getting on the plants). To do this it is necessary in the morning hours, so that by evening the land has had time to dry out.

Do not need to water strawberries often and gradually, as this can lead to the development of fungal diseases. If the street is warm weather, you can water every 1-2 weeks, necessarily with warm water. The norm in this period is 15-20 liters per square meter.

During the ripening of the crop, watering should be done by directing the water flow along the furrows. This is necessary to ensure that the bushes get a minimum of moisture and berries do not rot.

The size and taste of berries largely depends on the amount of water. It is noticed, that a smaller strawberry is sweeter and more fragrant than a large one. But in any case, overmoistening, like drying at any stage, negatively affects the yield of strawberries.