If you’re gardening in zone 7, knowing when to plant strawberry roots is the first step to a great harvest. This guide covers the optimal planting season and the simple steps for success.
Your zone 7 climate offers a long growing season with distinct seasons, which is perfect for strawberries. Timing your planting correctly gives the plants a chance to establish strong roots before the heat of summer or the chill of winter. Let’s get your berry patch started.
When To Plant Strawberry Roots In Zone 7
For most of zone 7, the best time to plant bare-root strawberries is in early spring. This is typically from mid-March to mid-April. The goal is to get them in the ground as soon as the soil is workable and no longer frozen.
Planting in early spring allows the roots to settle in during the cool, moist weather. The plants can then focus on growing leaves and roots before the hotter summer months arrive. This timing sets them up for producing runners and, for some types, fruit later in the season.
Why Spring Planting Works Best
Spring planting aligns with the strawberry’s natural growth cycle. The plants wake up from dormancy as the soil warms. They put energy into establishing a strong root system first.
- Cool Soil: Encourages root growth over top growth.
- Ample Moisture: Spring rains reduce the need for constant watering.
- Establishment Time: Plants become robust before summer stress.
The Fall Planting Alternative
In some parts of zone 7, fall planting is also a viable option. This is usually done in late September to October. The soil is still warm, which encourages root growth, but the air is cool.
Fall planting gives the plants a head start for the following spring. They will be fully established and ready to produce a stronger harvest in their first fruiting year. However, it requires reliable winter protection, like a thick layer of straw mulch, to prevent heaving from freeze-thaw cycles.
Choosing Between Spring and Fall
- Choose Spring if you’re a beginner, have wet winters, or missed the fall window.
- Consider Fall if you want an earlier harvest next year and can provide winter mulch.
Understanding Your Strawberry Type
There are three main types of strawberries, and your choice influences care, not the primary planting time.
June-Bearing Strawberries
These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring. They send out many runners. Plant them in early spring for a harvest the following year (or a small one in the first year if planted very early).
Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing varieties produce two to three smaller harvests throughout the growing season—usually in spring, summer, and fall. They produce fewer runners. Spring planting is ideal.
Day-Neutral Strawberries
These will produce fruit continuously from spring until fall, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They are also best planted in early spring for a season-long harvest.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your bare-root strawberries get the best start.
1. Preparing the Site
Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A raised bed is an excellent choice for ensuring good drainage.
- Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
- Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Avoid planting where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants recently grew to prevent disease.
2. Preparing the Roots
When your bare-root plants arrive, they might look dry and lifeless. Don’t worry! They’re dormant. Soak the roots in a bucket of lukewarm water for about 20-60 minutes before planting. This rehydrates them and gets them ready for growth.
3. The Correct Planting Method
Proper planting depth is critical. The crown of the plant—where the roots meet the stems—must be at soil level.
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
- Mound soil in the center and place the plant on top, fanning the roots down the slopes.
- Backfill, ensuring the crown is exactly at the soil surface. Burying the crown will cause it to rot. Leaving roots exposed will dry the plant out.
4. Spacing and Aftercare
Space plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Water deeply immediately after planting. Apply a light mulch, like straw or pine needles, to conserve moisture and keep weeds down.
Caring for Your New Plants
Consistent care in the first few months makes a big difference.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first few weeks. Aim for 1 inch of water per week.
- Mulching: After planting, maintain a 2-3 inch mulch layer. It suppresses weeds and keeps fruit clean.
- Fertilizing: Wait 4-6 weeks after planting to apply a balanced fertilizer. Too much early nitrogen can harm the plants.
- Blooms in Year One: For spring-planted June-bearers, it’s best to pinch off the first flowers. This directs energy to root and plant growth for a much larger harvest next year. For everbearing and day-neutral, you can allow the later blooms to fruit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few slip-ups. Here’s what to watch for.
- Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of failure. Always keep the crown above the soil.
- Poor Site Selection: Not enough sun leads to weak plants and few berries.
- Crowding Plants: Good air flow prevents fungal diseases. Don’t skimp on spacing.
- Ignoring Soil pH: Strawberries in alkaline soil will struggle. A simple test kit can save you alot of frustration.
FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Zone 7
Can I plant potted strawberries instead of bare-root?
Yes! Potted strawberries from a garden center can be planted almost anytime during the growing season, even in summer. Just be prepared to water them more frequently if planted in the heat.
What if I miss the spring planting window?
You can plant potted strawberries in late summer or early fall, but you’ll need to be diligent with watering. Avoid planting bare-root plants in the heat of summer.
How do I protect my strawberries from a late frost?
If blooms are open and a frost is forecast, cover the plants with a row cover or an old sheet overnight. This can save your potential harvest.
Should I use straw mulch?
Straw is an excellent mulch for strawberries—it’s where they get there name! It keeps fruit clean, conserves moisture, and insulates roots. Avoid hay, which often contains weed seeds.
When will I get my first harvest?
For spring-planted June-bearers, you’ll get a full harvest the spring after planting. Everbearing and day-neutral types often give a modest harvest in their first fall if planted in spring.
Getting your strawberry planting timing right in zone 7 is straightforward. Aim for early spring, focus on proper planting depth and site preparation, and provide consistent care. With this approach, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown strawberries that are worth the wait. Remember, the effort you put in during the planting season lays the foundation for many sweet seasons to come.