The dry weather continues to be a problem for home gardeners in Iowa. Many garden crops, such as strawberries, will require watering.

June-bearing strawberries that have been renovated after this year's harvest should be watered weekly during dry weather. Watering aids the recovery of the renovated planting and helps ensure optimal production next season. (The flower buds on June- bearing strawberries develop in late summer and fall. These flower buds will bloom the following spring.) If the strawberry planting is not properly watered, dry weather in late summer and fall could drastically reduce flower bud formation and next year's crop.

Everbearing and day-neutral strawberries must be watered during dry periods to maintain good fruit production.

Strawberry plants require approximately one inch of water per week throughout the growing season.

This article originally appeared in the July 1, 1992 issue, p. 117.