When To Plant Strawberries In Tennessee

If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in Tennessee, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the first step to a succesful harvest, and Tennessee’s climate offers two great windows for planting.

This guide will walk you through the ideal seasons, varieties for our state, and the simple steps to get your plants off to a strong start. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown berries that are sweeter than anything from the store.

Tennessee gardeners have two primary planting seasons: spring and fall. The best choice for you depends on your goals and location in the state.

For most gardeners, early spring planting is the traditional route. Aim to get your plants in the ground between mid-March and mid-April. The soil is warming up, and the threat of a hard freeze is mostly past. This gives the plants a full season to grow before their first winter.

The other excellent option is fall planting. Planting from late August through October allows the strawberry plants to develop a robust root system over the cooler months. They’ll be ready to explode with growth and fruit first thing the following spring. Fall planting often leads to a heavier first-year harvest.

Considering Tennessee’s Three Regions

Our state’s varied elevation means timing can shift a bit.

East Tennessee (Higher Elevation): Stick to the later end of the spring window (early to mid-April) and the earlier part of the fall window (late August to September). Frost comes earlier and stays later in the mountains.
Middle Tennessee: You’re in the sweet spot. Follow the standard dates of March-April for spring and September-October for fall.
West Tennessee (Warmer Climate): You can plant a little earlier in spring (early March) and a little later in fall (into early November sometimes).

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type

Picking a variety suited to Tennessee makes all the difference. Here are the main types:

June-Bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring. They are classic, reliable, and great for preserving. Examples: ‘Chandler’, ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’.
Everbearing: They give you two to three smaller harvests—one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. Good for a steady supply. Examples: ‘Ozark Beauty’, ‘Fort Laramie’.
Day-Neutral: These will produce fruit continuously from spring until frost, as long as temperatures stay below 80°F. They require excellent soil and consistent moisture. Examples: ‘Albion’, ‘Seascape’.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your plants and your season, follow these steps for success.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Strawberries demand full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. They also need well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Avoid areas where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants recently grew, as they share soil diseases.

Test your soil pH. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil, between 5.5 and 6.8.
Amend the soil with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure worked in to a depth of about 8-10 inches.
Consider planting in raised rows or beds to ensure perfect drainage, which is a common need in some Tennessee clay soils.

2. How to Plant Correctly

Proper planting depth is critical. Planting too deep will rot the crown; too shallow will dry out the roots.

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
Place the plant so the soil line is exactly at the crown—the point where the roots meet the base of the leaves.
Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the roots.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

3. Spacing and Initial Care

Give your plants room to grow and runner. For matted row systems (common for June-bearers), space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. For hill systems (good for everbearers/day-neutrals), space plants 12 inches apart in double or triple rows.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw mulch after planting. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean. It’s where the name “strawberry” comes from!

Water your new plants regularly, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week if rain is lacking. The first few weeks are crucial for establishment.

Seasonal Care Calendar for Tennessee

Spring

Remove winter mulch once new growth begins (late March-April).
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) according to package directions as growth starts.
Watch for late frosts and be prepared to cover blooming plants with row cover or an old sheet.

Summer

Water consistently, especially during dry spells and as fruit is developing.
Renovate June-bearing beds right after harvest. Mow or shear leaves, thin plants, and remove old debris.
Keep an eye out for pests like slugs and birds. Netting can protect ripening fruit.

Fall & Winter

Plant new strawberries or fertilize established beds in late summer/early fall.
In late fall (after a few hard freezes), apply a fresh 3-4 inch layer of clean straw mulch over the plants for winter protection. This prevents heaving from freeze-thaw cycles.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, a few issues can pop up.

Small or Misshapen Fruit: Often caused by poor pollination during wet, cool spring weather. Encourage pollinators by planting flowers nearby.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): A fuzzy gray mold on berries. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and keep fruit off wet soil with mulch.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be a nutrient deficiency (try a light fertilizer) or a soil pH that’s too high.
Birds Eating Berries: Use bird netting as fruit starts to ripen. It’s the most effective method.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Tennessee

Can I plant strawberries from seed in Tennessee?

While possible, it’s not recommended for beginners. Seeds take much longer to produce plants and fruit. Starting with bare-root or potted transplants from a nursery in spring or fall is the fastest and most reliable method for home gardeners.

What is the best mulch for strawberries?

Clean wheat or pine straw is ideal. Avoid using hay, as it often contains weed seeds. The mulch should be applied after planting and again in late fall for winter protection.

How long do strawberry plants last?

Strawberry beds are most productive for about 3-4 years. After that, yields decline and disease pressure increases. Plan to start a new bed in a different location every few years for a continuous supply.

Should I remove the first flowers?

For spring-planted June-bearers, yes. Pinch off the blossoms for the first 4-6 weeks to let the plant put energy into strong roots and leaves, leading to a bigger harvest next year. For fall-planted or everbearing/day-neutral types, you generally do not need to remove flowers.

When do strawberries typically fruit in Tennessee?

June-bearing varieties live up to their name, ripening from late May through June in most of Tennessee. Everbearing types have a spring crop (around June) and a fall crop. Day-neutrals will produce from late spring until frost if cared for well.

Getting your strawberry planting timing right in Tennessee sets the foundation for a great harvest. Whether you choose a spring or fall start, focus on sun, drainage, and the right variety for your needs. With consistent care and a little seasonal attention, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, juicy berries for years to come. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a strawberry picked fresh from your own garden.