When To Plant Strawberries In Kansas

If you’re planning a Kansas garden, knowing exactly when to plant strawberries in Kansas is the first step to a successful harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for helping your plants establish strong roots before our tough summer heat and winter cold arrive.

This guide will walk you through the best planting windows, variety selection, and simple care tips tailored for our unique Kansas climate. Let’s get your berry patch started.

The prime planting time for strawberries in Kansas is in early spring. For most of the state, this falls between mid-March and mid-April. The goal is to get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable—not too wet or frozen.

You can also plant in the fall, from late August through early October. Fall planting gives the plants a chance to settle in and develop roots before winter, often leading to a stronger crop the following spring. However, it requires more attentive watering and winter protection.

Understanding Your Kansas Growing Zone

Kansas spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a. This affects your specific planting schedule:

Zone 5b (Northwest KS): Aim for early to mid-April for spring planting.
Zone 6a & 6b (Central KS, including Wichita): Late March to early April is ideal.
Zone 7a (Southeast KS): You can start as early as mid-March.

Always let soil conditions be your final guide. If it’s a soggy spring, wait for it to dry out a bit to avoid compacting the soil around your new plants.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for Kansas

Selecting a variety suited to our climate is just as important as timing. There are three main types:

June-bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring (often May in Kansas). They are typically very productive and form strong runners.
Everbearing: They yield two to three smaller harvests—one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. They produce fewer runners.
Day-neutral: Similar to everbearing, they fruit continuously from spring until frost, as long as temperatures stay below about 85°F. They require excellent soil and consistent moisture.

For beginners, June-bearing varieties like ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’, or ‘Honeoye’ are often the most reliable and heaviest producers in Kansas gardens.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to give your strawberries a great start:

Site Selection: Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun. Ensure the area has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil Preparation: Kansas soil often needs help. Work in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A simple soil test can confirm your pH.
Planting Correctly: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. The crown (where the leaves meet the roots) must be level with the soil surface. Planting too deep will rot the crown; too shallow will dry out the roots.
Spacing: Space plants 18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives them room to send out runners and fill in the bed.
Watering In: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Essential Care After Planting

Your work isn’t done once the plants are in the ground. Consistent care is key, especially in the first year.

Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw or pine needle mulch around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean. It also protects crowns from temperature swings.
Watering: Provide 1 inch of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best, as they keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Fertilizing: Avoid heavy fertilizing at planting. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied after the first harvest (for June-bearers) or mid-season (for everbearers) is usually sufficient.

Managing Pests and Common Problems

Kansas gardeners face a few specific challenges. Keep an eye out for:

Slugs and Snails: They love ripe berries. Mulch with straw and use organic slug baits if needed.
Japanese Beetles: They can skeletonize leaves. Hand-pick them in the early morning or use traps placed far from your garden.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fungal disease thrives in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and harvest berries promptly.
Birds: They will find your ripe berries before you do. Use bird netting just as the fruits start to color.

Rotating your berry patch to a new location every 3-4 years helps prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

Preparing Strawberries for Kansas Winters

Winter protection is non-negotiable in Kansas. After the first hard frost and when plants have gone dormant (leaves turn reddish), it’s time to tuck them in.

Apply a thick, 4-6 inch layer of clean straw or hay over the entire planted rows. Don’t use leaves, as they mat down and smother the plants.
This mulch insulates the plants from freezing temperatures and damaging freeze-thaw cycles.
In early spring, as new growth begins (usually mid-to-late March), gradually remove the mulch. Pull it back into the aisles so you can easily recover the plants if a late frost is forcasted.

Harvesting Your Kansas Strawberries

For June-bearing plants, expect your main harvest in late May or June. Everbearing and day-neutral types will produce sporadically until fall.

Harvest berries when they are fully red, with no white or green tips. Pinch the stem just above the berry to avoid bruising the fruit. Pick every other day during peak season to keep production going.

The best time to harvest is in the cool of the morning. Refrigerate your berries right away, and avoid washing them until just before you’re ready to eat them to prevent mold.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Kansas

Can I plant strawberries in pots in Kansas?

Absolutely. Use a large container with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Day-neutral varieties are excellent for containers. Remember, potted plants dry out faster and may need winter protection, like moving the pot to an unheated garage.

Is it better to plant strawberries in spring or fall in Kansas?

Spring planting is generally easier for beginners, as you don’t have to worry about winter survival right away. Fall planting can yield a slightly earlier and heavier first harvest, but it requires careful watering and mulching for winter. Both methods work well.

How long do strawberry plants last in Kansas?

Strawberry beds are most productive for about 3-4 years. After that, yields often decline. Plan to start a new bed with fresh, young plants on a rotated site to maintain healthy, vigorous fruit production.

What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

Good companions include bush beans, spinach, lettuce, and borage. Avoid planting them near vegetables in the cabbage family (like broccoli or cauliflower), as they can compete for nutrients.

By following these simple guidelines for when to plant and how to care for strawberries in Kansas, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying sweet, homegrown berries. With a little preparation and the right timing, your garden can provide a plentiful harvest for seasons to come.