When To Plant Strawberries In Ga

If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in GA, you’ve come to the right place. Georgia’s ideal planting season for strawberries is a specific window that can lead to a fantastic harvest.

Getting the timing right is the most important step for success. Plant too early, and a late frost could damage your young plants. Plant too late, and they won’t have time to establish strong roots before the heat of summer arrives. This guide will walk you through the perfect schedule and simple steps for growing sweet, homegrown berries.

For most of Georgia, the best time to plant strawberries is in the fall. This might seem surprising, but it gives the plants a crucial head start.

The target planting period is from early October to mid-November. During this time, the soil is still warm from the summer sun, but the air temperatures are becoming cooler. This combination encourages the plants to focus their energy on developing a strong root system rather than producing fruit or leaves.

These well-established roots will support vigorous growth and a much larger berry harvest the following spring. In North Georgia’s mountain regions, where frost comes earlier, aim for early to mid-October. In Middle and South Georgia, you can safely plant through mid-November, and sometimes even into early December if the weather stays mild.

Why Fall Planting is Best for Georgia

Fall planting aligns perfectly with the strawberry plant’s natural cycle. Here’s why it works so well:

Root Development: Warm soil promotes rapid root growth, anchoring the plant securely.
Vernalization: Many strawberry varieties need a period of chill hours (temperatures between 35°F and 45°F) to initiate strong flower bud formation. A Georgia fall and winter provides this naturally.
Spring Readiness: When spring warmth arrives, your plants are already in the ground and ready to explode with growth, leading to an earlier and longer harvest period.

Alternative: Very Early Spring Planting

If you miss the fall window, you can plant in very early spring, as soon as the soil is workable—typically late February to late March. However, spring-planted strawberries will produce a smaller harvest in their first year. The plants will be putting energy into establishment while also trying to fruit. For the best results, most gardeners prefer to remove any blossoms that appear on spring-planted strawberries to let the plant strengthen for a bigger crop next year.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Types for Georgia

Not all strawberries are created equal, especially for our climate. You’ll primarily choose between two main types:

June-Bearing (Short-Day): These produce one large, concentrated harvest over about 3 weeks in spring (typically April-May in GA). They are known for their large, flavorful berries. Popular varieties for Georgia include ‘Camarosa’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Sweet Charlie’.
Everbearing (Day-Neutral): These produce berries in smaller flushes throughout spring, fall, and sometimes during mild summers. They are great for a steady supply. Good choices are ‘Albion’, ‘San Andreas’, and ‘Ozark Beauty’.

For beginners, June-bearing varieties are often recommended because they tend to be more vigorous and productive in our region. Always look for certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery to avoid introducing problems into your garden.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to get your strawberry patch off to a great start.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Strawberries need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Raised beds are an excellent option for Georgia’s often heavy clay soil.

Prepare the soil a few weeks before planting. Work in 3 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility. The ideal soil pH for strawberries is slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.8. A simple soil test from your local county extension office can give you precise recommendations.

2. How to Plant Correctly

Proper planting depth is critical! Here’s the process:

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
Mound soil in the center of the hole and place the plant on top, letting the roots drape down the sides.
Backfill the hole, ensuring the soil line is exactly at the crown of the plant. The crown is the short, thick stem where the leaves meet the roots.
If the crown is buried, it will rot. If the roots are exposed, the plant will dry out and die.
Water the plant thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.

3. Spacing and Mulching

Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

After planting, apply a generous layer of pine straw or wheat straw mulch. This mulch is essential for keeping weeds down, conserving moisture, and—most importantly—keeping the developing berries clean and off the damp soil. In the winter, this mulch also provides a bit of insulation from temperature swings.

Essential Care Through the Seasons

Your care after planting determines your harvest’s success.

Watering

Strawberries have shallow roots and need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, using drip irrigation or soaker hoses if possible. Overhead watering can promote leaf diseases. Water in the morning so foliage can dry before nightfall.

Fertilizing

At planting time, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or work compost into the bed. In late winter (around February), just as new growth begins, apply a balanced fertilizer again to fuel spring berry production. Always follow label instructions, as to much nitrogen can lead to huge leaves but few berries.

Renovating June-Bearing Beds

After your June-bearing plants finish their spring harvest, it’s time to renovate. This process resets the bed for next year:

Mow or shear the leaves back, about 1 inch above the crowns.
Thin the plants, keeping only the healthiest and spacing them about 6 inches apart.
Remove all weeds and old mulch.
Apply a new layer of compost and fertilizer, then remulch.

This practice keeps your bed productive for about 3 years before you should start with fresh plants in a new location.

Common Pests and Problems in Georgia

Stay vigilant for a few common issues:

Birds: They love ripe berries. Use bird netting just as the fruit starts to color.
Slugs and Snails: These pests thrive in moist mulch. Use organic slug baits or traps.
Spider Mites: A problem in hot, dry weather. A strong spray of water on the leaves underside can help control them.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): A fungal disease that causes berries to rot. Prevent it by providing good spacing for air flow, using mulch, and avoiding overhead watering.

Rotating your strawberry patch to a new area of the garden every few years is the best way to prevent a buildup of soil-borne diseases.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Georgia

Q: Can I plant strawberries from seed in Georgia?
A: While possible, it’s not practical for most home gardeners. Growing from seed adds an extra 6-8 months before you get plants ready for the garden. It’s much faster and more reliable to start with bare-root or potted transplants in the fall.

Q: What is the best strawberry variety for beginners in GA?
A: ‘Chandler’ and ‘Sweet Charlie’ are excellent, reliable June-bearing choices known for good flavor and disease resistance. They perform consistently well across the state.

Q: How often should I replace my strawberry plants?
A: For June-bearing types, plan to renovate the bed annually and replace all plants every 3-4 years when productivity declines. Everbearing varieties are often treated as annuals or replaced every 2-3 years.

Q: Can I grow strawberries in containers in Georgia?
A: Absolutely! Use a large pot or strawberry jar with excellent drainage. Container plants will need more frequent watering and feeding. Choose day-neutral or everbearing varieties for best results in pots, and remember they may need extra winter protection since the roots are more exposed to cold.

Q: Do I need to cover my strawberries during a late frost in spring?
A> Yes. If a frost is forecast after your plants have begun blooming or setting fruit, cover them overnight with a frost cloth, row cover, or even an old sheet. This can save your entire harvest. Uncover them once temperatures rise above freezing in the morning.

By following this schedule and tips, you can enjoy the sweet reward of homegrown strawberries. The key is giving them that strong fall start, which sets the stage for a productive and delicious spring season right in your own backyard.