When To Plant Strawberries In Kentucky

If you’re planning a berry patch in the Bluegrass State, knowing when to plant strawberries in Kentucky is the first step to a succesful harvest. Getting the timing right ensures your plants establish strong roots and produce plenty of sweet fruit for seasons to come.

Kentucky’s climate offers two distinct planting windows: one in the spring and a prefered one in the fall. This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and methods to get your strawberries off to a great start.

The absolute best time to plant strawberries in Kentucky is in the fall, between early September and mid-October. Planting in autumn allows the plants to develop a robust root system before winter dormancy. They’ll be ready to explode with growth when spring arrives, often yielding a better crop in their first fruiting year.

Spring planting is also possible, but it requires quicker action. You must plant as soon as the soil is workable—typically from late March through mid-April. Spring-planted strawberries will focus energy on establishing roots, so it’s wise to remove their first flowers to encourage plant strength for future years.

Understanding Your Kentucky Growing Zone

Kentucky spans USDA hardiness zones 6a to 7a. This affects your exact planting schedule and variety choice.

Zone 6a & 6b (Northern KY & higher elevations): Aim for fall planting in early September. Spring planting should be in early to mid-April.
Zone 7a (Central & Western KY): You can plant a bit later in fall, from late September to late October. For spring, late March is often safe.

Always check your local frost dates. A good rule is to get fall plants in the ground at least 4-6 weeks before your first hard freeze.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for Kentucky

Selecting a variety adapted to our climate is crucial. Here are the main types:

June-Bearing: Produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring. Ideal for preserving. Popular Kentucky choices include ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’, and ‘Earliglow’.
Everbearing: Yield two to three smaller harvests—in spring, summer, and fall. Try ‘Ozark Beauty’ or ‘Fort Laramie’.
Day-Neutral: Similar to everbearing, they fruit continuously from spring until frost, as long as temperatures stay below 80°F. ‘Tristar’ and ‘Seascape’ are excellent performers.

Where to Buy Healthy Plants

Always start with certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery or garden center. You can purchase bare-root crowns or potted plants. Bare-root plants are common for fall planting and are very economical.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to ensure your strawberries thrive.

1. Site Selection & Soil Prep

Strawberries need full sun—at least 8 hours daily. The site must have excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Avoid areas where tomatoes or potatoes recently grew to reduce verticillium wilt risk.

Prepare the soil several weeks in advance:

Test your soil pH; strawberries prefer 5.8 to 6.5.
Amend with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
Till the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches, removing all weeds and rocks.

2. Planting Correctly

Proper planting depth is critical. The crown (where the leaves meet the roots) must be at soil level—not buried and not with exposed roots.

Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
Mound soil in the center, place the crown on top, and spread roots down the sides.
Backfill, firming soil gently. Water deeply immediately after planting.

3. Spacing & Bed Systems

How you arrange plants affects health and yeild. The two main systems are:

Matted Row: Best for June-bearers. Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Let runners fill in to create a mat.
Spaced Row: Good for all types. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Regularly remove runners to keep plants spaced, which improves air circulation and fruit size.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants

Consistent care through the seasons leads to bountiful harvests.

Watering & Mulching

Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.

Mulch is essential. After planting, apply 2-3 inches of straw or pine needles. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps fruit clean. In winter, a thick layer (3-4 inches) of straw mulch applied after a few hard freezes protects crowns from heaving.

Fertilizing Schedule

At Planting: Mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil.
Spring (after renovation): Apply a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
Late Summer (for June-bearers): A light application supports flower bud formation for next year.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to excessive leaf growth and less fruit.

Renovating June-Bearing Beds

After harvest, June-bearing beds need renovation to stay productive:

Mow or shear leaves, but avoid damaging crowns.
Thin plants to about 5-6 inches apart, removing the oldest.
Narrow rows to 12 inches wide.
Fertilize, water well, and remove all old mulch and debris.

Common Pests and Problems

Stay vigilant for these Kentucky strawberry issues:

Slugs & Snails: Use diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate bait.
Spider Mites & Aphids: A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can help.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): Improve air flow, avoid overhead watering, and harvest promptly.
Birds: Use netting as berries begin to ripen—its often the only sure protection.

Rotating your berry patch to a new location every 3-4 years greatly reduces disease buildup.

Harvesting Your Kentucky Strawberries

Berries are ready when they are fully red, with no white or green tips. Pick them with the cap and stem attached; pinch or snip, don’t pull. Harvest in the cool of the morning and refrigerate immediately.

For the sweetest flavor, allow the berries to fully ripen on the plant. Check your plants every other day during peak season, as fruit can mature quickly.

FAQ: Kentucky Strawberry Planting

Can I plant strawberries in July in Kentucky?

July is generally to hot and stressful for new plants. Its better to wait for the fall planting window.

What is the best month to plant strawberries in KY?

For most of Kentucky, September is the ideal month for fall planting. Spring planting is best done in April.

Do strawberries come back every year in Kentucky?

Yes, strawberries are perennials. With proper care and winter mulching, your plants will return for several years, though productivity declines after 3-4 years.

How do I protect my strawberry plants over winter?

After temperatures drop consistently below freezing, apply a 3-4 inch layer of straw mulch over the plants. Remove the mulch gradually in spring as new growth begins.

By following this Kentucky-specific guide, you can confidently time your planting for a plentiful strawberry harvest. Remember, a little patience with fall planting sets the stage for many sweet rewards in the springs to come.