When To Plant Strawberries In Ms

If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in MS, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a succesful harvest in Mississippi.

Our climate offers a long growing season, but strawberries need a specific window to establish strong roots before the heat of summer. Planting at the correct time ensures your plants will produce plenty of sweet berries for you to enjoy.

For most of Mississippi, the best time for planting strawberry plants is in the fall. The ideal window runs from mid-October through mid-November.

Fall planting allows the plants to develop a robust root system during the cooler months. When spring arrives, they’re ready to focus all their energy on flowering and fruiting. This leads to a much better harvest compared to spring-planted strawberries.

In the northern parts of the state, aim for early October. In the central and southern regions, you can plant into late November. The goal is to get them in the ground about 4-6 weeks before the first hard freeze is expected.

Why Fall Planting Works Best

Fall planting aligns perfectly with a strawberry plant’s natural cycle. Here’s why it’s so effective:

Root Development: Cool soil temperatures encourage root growth without top growth, making for a sturdier plant.
Established Plants: By spring, your plants are already settled in and can produce fruit earlier in the season.
Beat the Heat: Strawberries struggle in Mississippi’s intense summer heat. Fall planting gives them a head start so they can produce their crop before the worst of the heat arrives.

Can You Plant Strawberries in Spring?

While fall is ideal, you can plant strawberries in very early spring, as soon as the soil is workable—typically late February to early March. However, spring-planted strawberries have a few drawbacks:

You may need to remove the first flowers to allow the plant to establish itself, which sacrifices some of the first season’s fruit.
The harvest will be later and often smaller than from fall-planted crowns.
Plants are more vulnerable to the stress of sudden summer heat.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for Mississippi

Selecting a variety adapted to our climate is crucial. Most gardeners in MS have the best luck with June-bearing types.

June-Bearing Strawberries: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring (often April-May here). They are typically the most flavorful and productive for our area.
Everbearing Strawberries: They produce two to three smaller harvests throughout the season. They can work but often struggle with our summer heat.
Day-Neutral Strawberries: These produce fruit continuously but are the least heat-tolerant and generally not recommended for Mississippi summers.

Some excellent June-bearing varieties for Mississippi include ‘Chandler’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, and ‘Cardinal’. Check with your local county extension office for their specific recommendations.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your plants and your timing is right, follow these steps for success.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Raised beds are an excellent option in Mississippi.

Test your soil pH. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil, between 5.8 and 6.5.
Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
Remove all weeds and grass from the planting area.

2. How to Plant Correctly

Proper planting depth is critical. Planting too deep or too shallow can cause the plant to fail.

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
Create a small mound in the center of the hole. Place the plant so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits right at soil level.
Spread the roots over the mound and backfill the hole, firming the soil gently.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.

3. Spacing and Mulching

Space plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and room for runners.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or clean wheat straw mulch around the plants. This is essential in Mississippi to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean and off the soil.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants

Consistent care through the seasons will reward you with a bountiful crop.

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best to keep foliage dry and prevent disease.
Fertilizing: At planting, use a balanced fertilizer. Then, fertilize again in late winter (February) before new growth starts, and once more after the final harvest.
Renovation (for June-bearers): After harvest, mow or shear the foliage back, thin out old plants, and fertilize to prepare the bed for next year. This step is often overlooked but is key for maintaining a productive bed for 3-4 years.

Common Problems in Mississippi

Our humid climate can create some challenges. Watch out for:

Fungal Diseases: Leaf spot and fruit rot are common. Use mulch, provide good spacing for air flow, and choose resistant varieties.
Birds: They love ripe berries. Use netting to protect your fruit as it begins to color.
Spider Mites: These pests thrive in hot, dry weather. Keep plants well-watered and spray with a strong stream of water if needed.

FAQ: Strawberry Planting in Mississippi

Q: What is the best month to plant strawberries in Mississippi?
A: The best months are October and November for fall planting. Early spring (late February) is a second option.

Q: Can I grow strawberries from seed in MS?
A> It’s possible but not practical. Growing from seed adds a full year before you get fruit. It’s much better to start with bare-root crowns or potted plants from a nursery.

Q: How long do strawberry plants last?
A> A well-maintained strawberry bed can remain productive for 3-4 years. After that, yields decline, and it’s best to start a new bed in a different location to prevent disease buildup.

Q: Do strawberries come back every year in Mississippi?
A: Yes, strawberries are perennials. With proper care and renovation after harvest, the same plants will come back and produce fruit for serveral seasons.

Q: Should I use plastic or fabric mulch for strawberries?
A: While commercial growers use plastic, organic mulches like pine straw are often easier and better for home gardeners in MS. They moderate soil temperature and improve soil health as they decompose.

By following this guide and focusing on that key fall planting window, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious, homegrown strawberry harvest right from your Mississippi garden. Remember, a little planning in the autumn leads to a rewarding spring harvest.