If you’re a Maryland gardener, knowing when to plant strawberries is the key to a sweet, homegrown harvest. This guide gives you expert Maryland gardening advice for perfect timing and techniques.
Strawberries are a fantastic crop for our state, but getting them in the ground at the right moment makes all the difference. Planting too early can expose them to a late frost, while planting too late gives them less time to establish before the summer heat. Let’s break down the best schedule for your garden.
When to Plant Strawberries in Maryland
For most of Maryland, the ideal planting window is in early spring. This typically falls between mid-March and mid-April. The goal is to get them in as soon as the soil is workable—not frozen or overly soggy.
You can also plant in the fall, from late August through September. Fall planting allows the plants to develop strong roots before winter, often leading to a better harvest the following spring. However, it requires more attentive watering as the plants establish.
Understanding Your Maryland Growing Zone
Maryland spans USDA plant hardiness zones 5b through 8a. This range affects your precise timing:
- Zones 5b & 6a (Western MD, Frostburg, Oakland): Aim for early to mid-April for spring planting. Fall planting should be done by early September.
- Zones 6b & 7a (Piedmont, Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown): Target late March to early April. Fall planting can go until mid-September.
- Zones 7b & 8a (Coastal, Southern MD, Eastern Shore, Annapolis): You can often start as early as mid-March. Fall planting is effective through late September.
Always check your local frost dates and current soil conditions, as weather can vary from year to year.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Type
Selecting a variety suited to Maryland’s climate is crucial. There are three main types:
- June-Bearing: Produce one large crop over 2-3 weeks in late spring. They send out many runners. Great for preserving.
- Everbearing: Yield two to three smaller harvests—one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. They produce fewer runners.
- Day-Neutral: Fruit continuously from spring until fall frost, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They also produce few runners.
For a classic Maryland strawberry patch, June-bearing varieties like ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’, or ‘Earliglow’ are very popular and reliable.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your strawberry plants get the best start.
1. Site Selection & Soil Prep
Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Avoid areas where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants recently grew, as they can share soil-borne diseases.
Test your soil pH; strawberries prefer a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.8. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Raised beds are an excellent option for improving drainage.
2. How to Plant Correctly
Proper planting depth is critical. Here’s how to do it:
- Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
- Place the plant so the crown (where the roots meet the base of the leaves) is exactly at soil level. If it’s buried, it will rot. If it’s to high, the roots will dry out.
- Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the roots.
- Water thoroughly immediately after planting.
3. Spacing & Bed Systems
How you space your plants depends on the type and your garden style:
- Matted Row (Best for June-bearing): Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Allow runners to fill in, creating a matted row about 2 feet wide.
- Hill System (Best for Everbearing & Day-Neutral): Space plants 12-15 inches apart in raised beds or rows, with all runners removed. This focuses energy on the main plant for fruit production.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Consistent care through the season leads to healthier plants and bigger berries.
Watering & Mulching
Strawberries need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during fruit development. Water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Mulching is essential. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean and off the soil. In winter, a thicker mulch layer protects the plants crowns from freezing and thawing cycles.
Fertilizing Schedule
Don’t over-fertilize! Too much nitrogen leads to leafy growth and few berries. A balanced approach works best:
- At Planting: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost worked into the soil.
- After Renovation (June-bearing): Fertilize right after you harvest your summer crop and renovate the bed.
- For Everbearing/Day-Neutral: Apply a light fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Renovating June-Bearing Beds
This vital step keeps your June-bearing patch productive for 3-4 years. Right after harvest:
- Mow or shear the foliage down to about 2 inches above the crowns.
- Thin plants, leaving the healthiest ones spaced about 6 inches apart.
- Remove all weeds and debris.
- Apply a light fertilizer and water well to encourage new growth.
Common Pests & Problems in Maryland
Stay vigilant for a few typical issues. Slugs and snails love berries; use organic slug bait or diatomaceous earth. Birds will try to steal your fruit, so netting is often necessary.
Diseases like gray mold (Botrytis) and powdery mildew can occur. Promote good air circulation by proper spacing and watering at the base. Rotating your strawberry bed to a new location every few years is one of the best preventitive measures.
FAQ: Your Maryland Strawberry Questions
Q: Can I plant strawberries from seed in Maryland?
A: While possible, it’s not recommended for beginners. Seeds take much longer to produce fruit. Starting with bare-root or potted plants from a nursery in spring or fall gives you a head start and is more reliable.
Q: Should I let my strawberries fruit the first year?
A: For spring-planted June-bearing plants, it’s best to pinch off the first season’s flowers. This directs energy to root and runner development, creating a stronger plant for a bigger harvest next year. For day-neutral and everbearing, you can usually allow fall fruiting if planted in spring.
Q: How long do strawberry plants last?
A> A healthy June-bearing bed is productive for 3-4 years before it needs replacing. Everbearing and day-neutral plants are often treated as annuals or replaced every 2-3 years as their vigor declines.
Q: What’s the best mulch specifically for strawberries?
A: Straw is the classic choice—it’s where the name “strawberry” comes from! Pine needles or shredded leaves also work very well. Avoid using heavy materials like whole leaves or wood chips that can mat down and smother the plants.
By following this expert Maryland gardening advice on when to plant strawberries and how to care for them, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your own delicious, sun-ripened berries. Remember, a little planning in the spring or fall leads to seasons of sweet rewards from your garden.