Strawberries require 1 inch of water per week throughout the growing season. After renovation, irrigate the strawberry planting weekly during dry weather. Adequate moisture promotes plant growth and helps insure optimal fruit production next season as the flower buds of June-bearing strawberries develop in late summer and early fall. Weed control through the summer months is also essential. Weeds compete with the strawberry plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Cultivation is the most practical control for home gardeners.
Control weeds with frequent, light cultivation. Some hand weeding will also be necessary. Dacthal, a preemergence herbicide, may be applied during renovation to aid in control of annual grasses and some broadleaf weeds. Gardeners can also apply a layer of straw between plant rows to help control weeds. These runners should be placed back within the 2-foot row or removed to prevent the planting from becoming a solid mat of plants.