If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in MN, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a succesful harvest in our unique climate.
Minnesota’s short growing season and cold winters mean planting at the correct time is non-negotiable. Plant too early, and a late frost can wipe out your new plants. Plant too late, and they won’t have time to establish strong roots before winter. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for strawberries in Minnesota, ensuring you get the juicy, homegrown berries you’re dreaming of.
When to Plant Strawberries in MN
For Minnesota gardeners, there are two primary planting windows: spring and late summer. The best choice depends on the type of strawberry plant you have.
Most gardeners find that planting in early spring is the most reliable method. The ideal time is as soon as the ground is workable and the soil has dried out enough that it doesn’t clump. This is typically from mid-April to early May, but it can vary each year. Watch for the frost to leave the ground and a period of drier weather.
The second option is late summer planting, specifically for June-bearing types. Aim for late July through mid-August. This gives the plants enough time to develop a robust root system before the ground freezes. However, this method requires diligent watering, as late summer heat can stress new plants if they dry out.
Understanding Strawberry Types and Their Timing
Not all strawberries are planted on the exact same schedule. Knowing which type you have will help you fine-tune your planting date.
- June-bearing Strawberries: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring to early summer. They are the most common type for Minnesota. You can plant these in either early spring or late summer.
- Everbearing Strawberries: They yield two to three smaller harvests—one in early summer, one in late summer, and sometimes a fall crop. For the best establishment, plant these only in early spring.
- Day-neutral Strawberries: Similar to everbearing, they produce fruit continuously throughout the season until frost. They are also best planted in early spring to maximize their production cycle.
How to Prepare Your Garden Bed
Strawberries need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Here’s how to get your bed ready:
- Choose the Site: Pick the sunniest spot in your garden with good air circulation.
- Test and Amend Soil: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). You can get a soil test kit from the University of Minnesota Extension. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting.
- Ensure Good Drainage: If your soil is heavy clay, consider building a raised bed. This improves drainage and warms up faster in spring.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Once your soil is prepped and the timing is right, follow these steps for planting success.
1. Handling Your Plants
If you recieve bare-root plants, don’t let the roots dry out. Soak them in a bucket of water for an hour or two before planting. Potted plants should be kept moist.
2. Planting Depth is Critical
This is the most common mistake. The crown—where the leaves meet the roots—must be right at the soil surface. If it’s buried, it will rot. If it’s too high, the roots will dry out. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out, and mound the soil in the center. Set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil, then backfill.
3. Spacing and Arrangement
Space plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for good air flow and gives runners room to spread. A matted row system is common for June-bearers, where you allow the daughter plants (runners) to root and fill in the space.
4. Water and Mulch Immediately
Water each plant thoroughly right after planting. Then, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needle mulch around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean.
Caring for Your New Strawberry Plants
The first year is all about establishment, not harvest. For June-bearing plants, you should remove all flowers in the first spring. This directs energy to root and runner development, leading to a much bigger harvest the following year. For everbearing and day-neutral types, you can allow flowers after July 1st for a late summer/fall berry treat.
Water consistently, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, as they keep leaves dry and prevent disease.
Preparing for Minnesota Winters
Winter protection is essential in our state. After the plants have gone dormant and the temperature has dropped to around 20°F in late fall, apply a thick winter mulch. Use 3 to 4 inches of clean straw, hay, or pine branches. This insulates the plants from freezing temperatures and prevents damaging freeze-thaw cycles. Remove the mulch in early spring when new growth begins.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Birds: Use netting to protect ripening fruit.
- Gray Mold (Botrytis): Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any moldy berries promptly.
- Slugs: Hand-pick in the evening or use slug traps baited with beer.
- Poor Fruit Set: This can be due to frost damage on flowers. Be prepared to cover blooming plants with row cover if a late frost is forcasted.
FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Minnesota
Can I plant strawberries in fall in Minnesota?
No, true fall planting is too late. The late summer window (July-August) is your latest safe bet for planting strawberries in Minnesota to ensure proper root growth before winter.
What is the best month to plant strawberries in Minnesota?
For spring planting, May is generally the safest and best month. For late summer planting, early August is ideal.
Should I use mulch when planting strawberries?
Yes, applying mulch right after planting is highly recommended. It keeps the soil moist, cool, and weed-free, which gives your plants a major head start.
How long does it take for newly planted strawberries to bear fruit?
If you plant in spring and remove the first-year flowers on June-bearing types, you will get your first real harvest about one year after planting. Everbearing and day-neutral types may give you a small harvest in the first fall if planted in spring.
Can I grow strawberries from seed in MN?
It’s possible but not practical for most gardeners. Starting from seed adds many weeks to the establishment timeline, and the plants can be less vigorous. It’s much easier and faster to start with bare-root or potted plants from a reputable nursery.