When to Plant and Harvest Strawberry
Classic matted-row strawberry type that produces one heavy early-summer crop from crowns or plugs
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
How many to grow for what you cook: Strawberry jam, Spring spinach salad. Plate to Plot planner
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: One heavy early crop; good for preserves.
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 June-Bearing Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 48 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: Plant crowns with roots spread downward and the crown midpoint level with the soil surface; burying the crown causes rot.
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 48 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep evenly moist with 1 inch of water per week; water at soil level to reduce leaf disease
- Days to harvest: 30
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Work 1-2 inches into the bed before planting
- Balanced berry fertilizer synthetic: Apply lightly at planting and after renovation, not during heavy fruiting
- Straw mulch organic: Tuck around plants after establishment and over winter in cold zones
Companion Plants
- Borage
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Chives
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 red from tip to shoulders
- Fruit pulls free with the cap attached
- Flavor is sweet and aromatic
- Pick every 1-2 days during the main flush
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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 June-Bearing Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 48 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry about 18 inches apart, with rows around 48 inches apart.
What grows well with Strawberry?
Strawberry is commonly paired with Borage, Lettuce, Spinach, Chives.
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 red from tip to shoulders. Fruit pulls free with the cap attached Flavor is sweet and aromatic