When To Plant Strawberries In Pennsylvania

If you want a great strawberry patch, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant strawberries in Pennsylvania is the first step to a successful spring harvest. Get it right, and you’ll be picking sweet, homegrown berries by the basketful. Get it wrong, and you might face weak plants or a missed season. This guide gives you the clear, simple steps to plant at the perfect time for your area.

The best time to plant strawberries in Pennsylvania is in early spring. This usually means from late March through mid-April. The goal is to get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable. You want to avoid soggy, frozen earth.

Planting in spring gives the young plants, called crowns, a full season to grow strong roots and leaves. This establishes them before their first winter. A well-established plant will produce a much better harvest the following spring. Some gardeners also plant in early fall, around late September. This can work, but spring planting is more reliable for most of the state.

Why Spring Planting Works Best

Spring planting aligns with the strawberry’s natural growth cycle. The cool, moist weather helps roots settle in without the stress of summer heat. The plants then spend the summer and fall developing. They’ll be ready to flower and fruit when the next spring arrives.

Fall planting is trickier. If you plant too late, the crowns won’t have enough time to root before the ground freezes. An early, harsh winter can damage or kill them. For beginners, sticking with spring is the safest bet.

Reading Your Local Climate Cues

Pennsylvania’s climate varies. The southeast warms up faster than the mountainous north. Don’t just go by the calendar. Watch for these signs:

The soil is no longer frozen and crumbles easily.
You can dig a hole without the sides collapsing into mud.
Daytime temperatures are consistently above 40°F.
The last hard frost date is approaching. You can find your area’s average last frost date from your local Penn State Extension office.

Choosing Your Strawberry Type

The type of strawberry you choose affects your harvest timing. There are three main kinds:

June-bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring (often June). They are the most common type for Pennsylvania gardens and are known for their large, flavorful berries.
Everbearing: They yield two to three smaller harvests—one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. The berries are often a bit smaller.
Day-neutral: Similar to everbearing, they produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F.

For a classic, big spring harvest, June-bearing varieties like ‘Jewel’, ‘Allstar’, or ‘Earliglow’ are excellent choices for PA.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once your soil is ready, follow these steps for planting success.

1. Prepare the Planting Site

Strawberries need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). A week or two before planting, work some compost or aged manure into the soil. This improves drainage and adds nutrients. Raised beds are a fantastic option, as they ensure good drainage and warm up faster in spring.

2. Planting the Crowns Correctly

This is the most critical step. Bare-root strawberry plants are common. Here’s how to plant them right:

Soak the bare roots in water for about 20-30 minutes before planting.
Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out without bending them.
Place the plant so the crown is right at soil level. The crown is the short, thick stem where the roots meet the leaves.
If the crown is buried, it may rot. If it’s sitting to high, the roots will dry out.
Fill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly.

3. Spacing and Arrangement

Proper spacing prevents disease and promotes good air flow. For the matted row system (common for June-bearers), space plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. The runners will fill in the space between plants. For a smaller garden, you can plant in hills, spacing plants 12 inches apart and removing all runners.

4. Watering and Mulching After Planting

Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks. Then, apply a layer of mulch. Straw is the classic choice—it’s where the name “strawberry” comes from! Pine needles also work well. Mulch suppresses weeds, keeps the soil moist, and keeps the developing berries clean and off the damp soil.

Caring for Your Plants Through the Seasons

Your work after planting ensures a great harvest next year.

First Year Focus: For June-bearing plants, pinch off all the flowers in the first year. This seems hard, but it directs energy to root and plant growth, leading to a much bigger harvest next spring. For everbearing and day-neutral, you can allow flowers after mid-summer for a fall harvest.
Weeding: Keep the area weed-free. Weeds compete fiercely for water and nutrients.
Winter Protection: After the first hard frost in late fall, add an extra 3-4 inches of straw mulch over the plants. This protects the crowns from freezing and thawing cycles. Rake the mulch away from the plants in early spring when new growth begins.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even with good care, you might face a few issues.

Birds: They love ripe berries. Use bird netting just as the fruit starts to ripen.
Slugs: They hide in mulch and chew on fruit. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth can help manage them.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fungus thrives in wet conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and harvest ripe fruit promptly. Remove any moldy berries immediately.

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

FAQ: Your Pennsylvania Strawberry Questions

Can I plant strawberries in May in PA?

Yes, but it’s less ideal. Late planting gives the crowns less time to establish before summer heat. If you must plant in May, be extra vigilant about watering and providing afternoon shade if possible.

What is the best month to plant strawberries for spring harvest?

Early spring, specifically April, is generally the best month across most of Pennsylvania. In warmer southeastern counties, late March might work. In colder northern areas, aim for mid to late April.

How do I prepare strawberry plants for winter in PA?

After a hard frost, apply a thick (3-4 inch) layer of straw or leaves over the plants. This insulation is crucial. Don’t use heavy material like whole leaves that can mat down and smother the plants.

Should I use fertilizer when planting?

It’s better to amend the soil with compost before planting. If you do use a fertilizer, choose a balanced, slow-release type and apply it lightly a month after planting, not directly in the planting hole, which can burn the roots.

Following these steps will set you up for success. With the right timing and care, your Pennsylvania strawberry patch can provide a generous and tasty spring harvest for years to come. Remember, patience in the first year is rewarded with abundance in the next.