When to Plant and Harvest Strawberry
Strawberry type that produces smaller flushes in late spring and again in late summer to fall
Winter survival: Strawberry crowns and next year's flower buds can be injured below about 20F without cover. In cold zones, cover dormant plants with straw once soil at 4 inches stays at or below 40F, then rake it off in spring as new leaves start. Set your zone in the live app for a zone-specific line.
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.2. Lime if a soil test reads below 5.8. Keep it within 5.8 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Flavor notes: Sweet berry flavor; crop timing varies by type.
Variety notes: Smaller repeat flushes through the season.
Best Time and Place to Plant Strawberry
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to March 20 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 9 | Low-chill varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 10 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Set crowns at soil level in a well-drained bed or container; remove early blossoms on new plants for stronger roots.
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in containers and during repeat bloom cycles
- Days to harvest: 30
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Top-dress lightly in spring
- Low-nitrogen berry fertilizer synthetic: Feed lightly after each fruiting flush
- Straw mulch organic: Use a thin layer to keep berries clean and soil cool
Companion Plants
- Borage
- Thyme
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Eggplant
- Peppers
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Berries are fully colored and glossy
- Fruit detaches easily without tugging
- Ripe berries taste sweet rather than watery
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
Major Varieties
- June-Bearing Strawberry: One heavy early crop; good for preserves.
FAQs
When should I plant Strawberry?
Strawberry planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Strawberry?
The best time of year to plant Strawberry is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry about 12 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Strawberry?
Strawberry is commonly paired with Borage, Thyme, Lettuce, Spinach.
How long does Strawberry take to grow?
Strawberry is typically ready to harvest in about 30 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Strawberry?
Harvest Strawberry when berries are fully colored and glossy. Fruit detaches easily without tugging Ripe berries taste sweet rather than watery