Too Much Rain In S. Indiana For Everbearing Strawberries? Or Too Crowded? Or Needing Fertilizer?

Question

Hi, As all us Zone Sixers can attest to, this summer has already blessed us with far too much rain! I estimated that in the past 6 weeks my location received about 11.5” which is phenomenal IMO. My everbearing strawberries should be blissed out and producing like crazy. But sadly this season I’ve seen almost no flowers and only 1 small berry! In 2020 they didn’t do especially well…some flowers, a handful of berries (which BTW were delicious). I had hopes that this year things would improve. NOPE!! They do have some runners…which I realize should be removed. I’ve considered just taking the runners and planting in the ground experimentally…even if birds and rodents grab any fruit that develops. That was the reason I decided to put the berry plants in a container in the first place, to keep intruders off the fruit. But nobody is getting anything this year! — I’m including a photo or two; do these plants look dry, sickly, too crowded, maybe in need of fertilizer? It hasn’t rained in a few days and the weather is becoming hot. — Thank You

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Answer 1

I do suspect a few things.

Strawberries can be sensitive to saturated soils, but moreso if they remain that way for long periods of time without a dry out. As long as your container has drainage holes at the bottom it shouldn't be too much of an issue. However, fungicides are good to keep around for times like this.

Strawberries require constant fertilization to remain happy. Especially modern cultivars. If these do not get fed, often, then I would do so.

Every few years, I would separate some out, as well.

Here is a collection of articles that will help you with growing strawberries:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/strawberry