If you’re a gardener in Pennsylvania, knowing when to plant strawberries is the first step to a succesful harvest. Getting the timing right for your strawberry plants makes all the difference in how well they establish and produce fruit.
Pennsylvania’s climate varies from the Lake Erie shores to the mountainous ridges, which means planting times can shift. This guide gives you the clear, practical advice you need to plant your strawberries at the best possible moment. We’ll cover everything from understanding your local conditions to the simple steps for planting.
When to Plant Strawberries in PA
For most of Pennsylvania, the best time to plant strawberries is in early spring. This typically falls between late March and mid-April. The goal is to get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable—not frozen or overly soggy.
You can also plant in late summer or early fall, roughly from late August to early October. Fall planting allows the plants to develop strong roots before winter, leading to a harvest the following spring. Spring planting often means waiting a full year for a full harvest, as you should remove the first season’s flowers.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Growing Zones
Pennsylvania spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5a to 7a. This range affects your exact planting date:
- Zones 6 & 7 (Southeastern PA, Philadelphia area): You can plant earliest, often in late March. Fall planting can extend into early October.
- Zone 5 (Northern Tier, higher elevations): Aim for mid to late April for spring planting. Target early September for fall planting to ensure roots establish before hard freezes.
- Zone 5b-6a (Central PA, including State College): A good rule is early to mid-April for spring, and September for fall.
Always check your soil temperature. Strawberries prefer soil that’s warmed to about 60°F for spring planting.
Why Planting Time Matters So Much
Planting at the correct time is not just a suggestion—it’s crucial for your plants survival and productivity. If you plant too early in spring, a late frost can damage or kill new growth. The soil might also be to cold for roots to grow.
Planting too late in spring exposes young plants to sudden summer heat, causing stress. For fall planting, timing is even more critical. Plants need about 6-8 weeks of moderate weather to settle in before the ground freezes.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for PA
There are three main types of strawberries, and your choice influences care, not necessarily planting time:
- June-Bearing: These produce one large crop over 2-3 weeks in late spring. They are classic, reliable, and great for preserving. Plant them in matted rows.
- Everbearing: They yield two to three harvests sporadically from spring to fall. They work well in smaller gardens or containers.
- Day-Neutral: Similar to everbearing, they fruit continuously from spring until frost, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They require more frequent watering and fertilizing.
All types are planted at the same times, but your harvest schedule will differ.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Strawberries
Once your calendar and soil are ready, follow these steps for planting success.
1. Preparing the Planting Site
Strawberries demand full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A week or two before planting, work in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Remove all weeds thoroughly, as strawberries hate competition.
2. How to Plant Bare-Root Strawberries
Most strawberries are sold as bare-root plants. Here’s how to handle them:
- Soak the roots in a bucket of water for about an hour before planting. Don’t leave them soaking for more than a day.
- Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out fully. The hole should be deep enough so the crown—where the roots meet the stems—sits right at soil level.
- Create a small mound in the hole. Spread the roots over the mound and backfill with soil, firming gently.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
A common mistake is planting to deep, which can rot the crown, or too shallow, which dries out the roots.
3. Proper Spacing is Key
Give your plants room to grow and spread:
- June-Bearing (Matted Row System): Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Runners will fill in the space.
- Everbearing & Day-Neutral (Hill System): Space plants 12 inches apart in rows, with rows 1-2 feet apart. Remove most runners to focus the plants energy on fruit production.
Caring for Your New Strawberry Plants
Right after planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw mulch. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean. It also protects the crowns in winter. Water your plants regularly, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during dry spells and when fruit is developing.
For spring-planted June-bearing strawberries, pinch off all flowers in the first year. This directs energy to root and runner development, ensuring a much larger harvest next year. For everbearing and day-neutral, you can allow flowers after mid-summer for a fall harvest.
Protecting Plants for a Pennsylvania Winter
Winter care is essential, especially for fall-planted strawberries and in colder zones. After the first few hard frosts and when the soil is cold, apply a winter mulch. Pile clean straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves 4-6 inches deep over the plants. This insulates them from freezing temperatures and damaging thaw-freeze cycles.
Remove this winter mulch in early spring, when you see consistent new growth, but keep it handy to throw back over the plants if a late frost is forecasted. This protects the delicate blossoms.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with perfect timing, you might face a few challenges:
- Birds: They love ripe berries. Use netting as fruit begins to color.
- Slugs and Snails: Mulch with straw and use organic slug baits if needed.
- Gray Mold (Botrytis): Promote air flow by proper spacing and removing old leaves. Harvest fruit promptly.
- Verticillium Wilt: A soil fungus. Always plant strawberries in a bed that hasn’t grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants for at least 3 years.
FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Pennsylvania
Can I plant strawberries in May in PA?
Yes, but it’s less ideal. May planting is late for spring. The plants will face immediate heat stress and will need extra care with watering. You should remove any flowers that first year to help them establish.
What is the best month to plant strawberries in Pennsylvania?
For spring planting, April is the most reliable month across the state. For fall planting, September is generally the best bet.
Is it better to plant strawberries in spring or fall in PA?
Both have advantages. Fall planting often leads to a stronger, earlier harvest the next spring because roots establish in cool weather. Spring planting is simpler for beginners, as you don’t have to worry about winter protection right away.
Can you plant strawberry seeds in Pennsylvania?
You can, but it’s not recommended for most gardeners. Growing from seed adds a full year of growth before you get fruit, and the plants may not be true to type. Starting with bare-root or potted plants is much more efficient and predictable.
How do I get strawberries to produce more fruit?
Ensure they get full sun, consistent water during fruiting, and annual feeding with a balanced fertilizer after harvest. For June-bearing types, renovate the bed right after harvest by mowing leaves, thinning plants, and fertilizing. This keeps them productive for their 3-5 year lifespan.
By following these guidelines for when to plant strawberries in PA, you give your garden it’s best chance for a sweet reward. Paying attention to your local conditions and preparing your site properly sets the foundation. With a little patience and care, you’ll be enjoying homegrown strawberries that are worth the wait.