If you’re a gardener in zone 7a, knowing when to plant strawberries is the key to a great harvest. The optimal timing for planting depends on the type of strawberry and your specific method, but getting it right sets your plants up for success.
This region, with its relatively mild winters and long growing season, is excellent for strawberries. You can enjoy fruit from late spring into early summer, and even get a second crop with some varieties. Let’s break down the best schedule and methods for your garden.
When to Plant Strawberries in Zone 7a – Optimal Timing for Planting
The prime planting windows in zone 7a are in the spring and the fall. Each has its advantages, and the best choice often depends on the type of plant you’re putting in the ground.
Spring Planting in Zone 7a
For spring planting, your target is as soon as the soil is workable. This usually falls in March or early April. The goal is to get the plants established before the heat of summer arrives.
Spring is the ideal time for planting bare-root strawberries. These dormant plants need cool, moist soil to wake up and grow new roots. Planting them to late in spring can stress them with heat before they’re settled.
- Best for: Bare-root plants.
- Timing: March to early April.
- Goal: Establishment before summer heat.
Fall Planting in Zone 7a
Many gardeners find fall planting to be even more successful. The optimal period is from late September through October. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, but the air is cool, reducing stress on the plants.
Fall-planted strawberries use the mild winter to develop a strong root system. They then burst into growth at the first sign of spring, often producing a better first-year harvest than spring-planted ones. You’ll typically use potted or plug plants for fall planting.
- Best for: Potted or plug plants.
- Timing: Late September to October.
- Goal: Root establishment over winter.
Understanding Your Strawberry Types
Strawberries fall into three main categories, and their type influences care and expectations.
June-Bearing Strawberries
These produce a single, large crop over a 2-3 week period in late spring. They send out many runners. For the biggest berries, you should pinch off the first year’s flowers to let the plant focus on growth.
Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing varieties produce two to three harvests per year: one in late spring, a smaller one in summer, and another in early fall. They produce fewer runners than June-bearers, making them good for tighter spaces or containers.
Day-Neutral Strawberries
These are the most productive over time. They will produce fruit continuously from spring until fall, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They also produce few runners.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your strawberries get the best possible start, whether you plant in spring or fall.
1. Choose the Right Site
Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil must be well-draining. If your soil is heavy clay, plant in raised beds or mounds to prevent root rot.
2. Prepare the Soil
Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A simple soil test can confirm your pH.
3. Planting Correctly
This is a critical step! Planting too deep is a common mistake.
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
- Place the plant so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) is exactly at soil level.
- If the crown is buried, it will rot. If it’s to high, the roots will dry out.
- Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently.
4. Spacing and Arrangement
Proper spacing prevents disease and ensures good air circulation.
- For matted rows (common for June-bearers): Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Let the runners fill in to create a mat.
- For hill systems (best for everbearing/day-neutral): Space plants 12 inches apart in raised mounds, with rows 2 feet apart. Remove all runners to focus the plants energy on fruit production.
5. Water and Mulch Immediately
Water your new plants thoroughly right after planting. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needle mulch around them. This keeps the soil moist, suppresses weeds, and keeps the berries clean and off the damp soil.
Essential Care After Planting
Your work isn’t done once the plants are in the ground. Consistent care leads to a sweeter reward.
Watering
Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or a soaker hose is ideal.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants at planting time with a balanced organic fertilizer. Then, fertilize again after the first harvest for June-bearers, or every 6 weeks for everbearing and day-neutral types. Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to leafy growth instead of fruit.
Weeding and Renovation
Keep the bed weed-free, as strawberries don’t compete well. For June-bearing beds, renovation is crucial right after harvest. Mow or shear the foliage, thin the plants, and remove old mulch before fertilizing and watering to encourage new growth for next year.
Protecting Your Strawberry Plants
Zone 7a winters are usually mild, but a sudden hard freeze can damage plants, especially if they’re newly planted in fall.
Apply a thick layer of straw mulch (3-4 inches) over the plants after the first few hard frosts in late fall. This insulates them. Remove the mulch in early spring when new growth begins, but keep it nearby to toss back over the plants if a late frost is forecasted.
Birds and slugs are common pests. Use bird netting when fruit starts to ripen. For slugs, diatomaceous earth or beer traps can be effective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too deep. The crown must be at soil level.
- Choosing a shady or poorly drained site.
- Letting the plants dry out during fruit set.
- Forgetting to mulch, which leads to dirty fruit and soil splashing.
- Not renovating June-bearing beds after harvest, which leads to decline.
FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Zone 7a
Can I plant strawberries in July in zone 7a?
It’s not recommended. The extreme summer heat and dry conditions put to much stress on new plants. They will struggle to establish and may not survive. Wait for the fall window.
What are the best strawberry varieties for zone 7a?
Excellent June-bearing choices include ‘Chandler’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Sweet Charlie’. For everbearing, try ‘Ozark Beauty’. For day-neutral, ‘Seascape’ and ‘Albion’ perform very well in our climate.
How soon can I harvest after planting?
For spring-planted June-bearers, you should remove the first year’s flowers to strengthen the plant for a big harvest next year. Everbearing and day-neutral types can be allowed to fruit in their first season, though the initial yield will be smaller.
Should I use containers or the ground?
Both work! The ground is best for large, matting June-bearers. Containers and raised beds are excellent for day-neutral and everbearing types, as they offer perfect drainage and can be moved if needed.
Do I need to replant strawberries every year?
No, strawberries are perennials. However, their productivity peaks in years 2 and 3. After that, it’s best to start new plants from runners or purchase new ones to maintain vigor and healthy yields. An established bed should be replaced every 3-4 years.
Getting your timing right is the first, most important step. By planting your strawberries in zone 7a during the optimal windows of early spring or early fall, you give them the foundation they need. Combine that with proper site selection, planting depth, and consistent care, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown strawberries right from your backyard. Remember, a little patience in the first year leads to abundant harvests for seasons to come.