When To Plant Strawberries In Washington State

If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in Washington state, you’re in the right place. Getting the timing right is the first step to a sweet, productive patch. Washington’s unique climate, with its wet winters and dry summers, creates a perfect environment for strawberries, but planting at the correct moment is key for strong roots and a great harvest.

This guide will walk you through the best planting times for your specific area and strawberry type. We’ll cover everything from soil prep to aftercare, ensuring your plants get the best possible start.

The best planting times for strawberries in Washington depend heavily on your region and the type of plant you choose. The state’s diverse geography means coastal gardeners have different schedules than those east of the Cascades.

Understanding Washington’s Growing Regions

Washington is broadly split into two major climate zones: west of the Cascade Mountains and east of the Cascades. The western side, including cities like Seattle and Olympia, has milder, wetter winters and cooler summers. The eastern side, like Spokane and the Yakima Valley, experiences colder winters, hotter summers, and less rainfall.

Spring Planting: The Most Common Window

For most of Washington, spring is the ideal time to plant strawberries. The goal is to get them in the ground after the danger of a hard frost has passed but while the weather is still cool and moist.

Western Washington: Aim for early to mid-April. The soil is workable and warming up, giving plants time to establish before the drier summer.
Eastern Washington: Target late April to mid-May. Wait until the soil is no longer frozen or soggy from snowmelt. A later start avoids late frosts that can damage new growth.

Fall Planting: A West-Side Option

In the milder climates of western Washington, fall planting is a fantastic alternative. Planting in early fall (late September to early October) allows the plants to develop strong root systems in the still-warm soil without the pressure of producing fruit.

The fall rains help with establishment.
Plants will be ready to take off and produce a harvest the following spring.
This is generally not recommended for areas with severe, snowy winters east of the mountains.

Planting by Strawberry Type

Your chosen variety also influences timing.

June-bearing strawberries: These are the most common. Plant them in the spring for a harvest the following year. They produce one large crop over 2-3 weeks.
Everbearing & Day-neutral strawberries: These varieties produce fruit throughout the summer. Spring planting is best, and you may even get a small harvest in the first fall.

How to Plant Your Strawberries Step-by-Step

Once you’ve got your timing down, proper planting technique ensures success.

Choose a Sunny Site: Select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily. Good air circulation helps prevent disease.
Prepare the Soil: Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). Amend your soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Ensure the bed has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out. The crown (where the roots meet the leaves) must be level with the soil surface. Burying the crown will cause it to rot; planting it to high will dry out the roots.
Spacing is Key: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives runners room to spread.
Water Deeply: Water them in thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch Generously: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, or wood shavings around the plants. This suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, and keeps the berries clean and off the soil.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants

Consistent care after planting leads to healthier plants and better yields.

Watering and Feeding

Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development and dry summer periods. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best to keep leaves dry. In early spring, feed with a balanced, organic fertilizer to support growth.

Managing Runners and Renovation

June-bearing plants will send out runners. You can peg them down to create new daughter plants or clip them to focus the plants energy on fruit production. After your June-bearing plants finish fruiting, its time for renovation: mow or shear back the leaves, thin out old plants, and fertilize to prepare them for next year.

Winter Protection

In colder parts of eastern Washington, a thick layer of straw mulch applied after the first hard freeze in late fall is essential. This protects the crowns from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in early spring as new growth begins.

Common Problems and Solutions

Watch out for a few typical issues in Washington gardens.

Slugs and Snails: A major pest in western Washington. Use organic slug baits, copper tape, or beer traps to protect your berries.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fungal disease thrives in wet conditions. Improve air flow, avoid overhead watering, and harvest ripe fruit promptly.
Birds: They love ripe strawberries as much as you do. Use netting to cover your plants as the fruit starts to color.

FAQ: Your Strawberry Planting Questions Answered

What month is best to plant strawberries in Washington?
For spring planting, April is ideal in western WA and May in eastern WA. For fall planting in western areas, late September to early October is perfect.

Can I plant strawberries in early spring in Washington?
Yes, but be cautious of late frosts. Have row cover or cloches ready to protect tender new growth if a cold snap is forcasted.

How early can you plant strawberries?
You can plant as soon as the soil is workable—not frozen or overly soggy. It’s better to wait for slightly warmer, drier soil than to plant in mud.

Do strawberries grow good in Washington state?
Absolutely. Washington’s climate is excellent for strawberries, with its defined seasons and ample sun in the growing season leading to flavorful, well-developed fruit.

What are the best strawberry varieties for Washington?
For June-bearing: ‘Hood’, ‘Shuksan’, and ‘Totem’ do very well. For everbearing/day-neutral: ‘Seascape’, ‘Albion’, and ‘Tristar’ are reliable choices across the state.

By following these regional timing guidelines and planting steps, you’ll give your strawberry plants the foundation they need. With proper site selection, soil preparation, and ongoing care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown berries from your own garden for seasons to come. Remember, a little patience in the beginning leads to a much more abundant and healthier harvest.