Rainfall amounts this spring have been below normal in most areas of Iowa. If the dry conditions persist, the yields of strawberries and raspberries could be reduced.
Strawberries and raspberries require adequate moisture throughout the growing season for good fruit production. However, the most critical time is from bloom to the end of the harvest. Insufficient moisture during fruit development may cause the fruit to fail to develop full size or to dry up. If rainfall is inadequate, apply 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week.
This article originally appeared in the May 25, 1994 issue, p. 77.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 25, 1994. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.