Having strawberries in your garden is a real treat. They often taste far better than shop-bought ones, and it’s handy to have them on hand for cakes, smoothies, or simply enjoying with cream.
But if you’re growing them this summer, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued a warning about a common watering mistake that could ruin your crop. According to the RHS, watering the crown (the central part of the plant where the leaves emerge) can lead to fungal problems, particularly grey mould. The risk is especially high in warm and humid conditions, which are common in June and July.
The RHS advises watering your strawberry plants at the base, keeping the crown and fruit as dry as possible.
Wetting the crown encourages mould growth, which can quickly spread and damage your plants.
To reduce the chance of this happening, water early in the morning so any splashes on the leaves or fruit have time to dry out during the day.
For those growing strawberries in containers, pots or hanging baskets, regular watering is essential as compost dries out quickly.
But the same rule applies – always aim water at the soil level, not the plant itself.
The RHS also suggests using mulch to help keep fruit clean and dry. This could be straw or biodegradable mulch mats, both of which help keep the fruit off damp soil and suppress weeds at the same time.
Other tips include removing any old or mouldy fruit as soon as you spot it and ensuring your plants are not overcrowded.
Good air circulation can also help prevent disease from taking hold.
Strawberries typically ripen from June onwards, so it’s an important time for gardeners to pay close attention to how they care for their plants.
With the right conditions and a bit of care, even a small garden can produce a sweet and rewarding crop.