How To Plant Fall Strawberries
Planting strawberries in the fall might seem counterintuitive to some gardeners, but it’s actually one of the best times to get your berry patch started—especially if you’re aiming for a bountiful spring harvest. By planting in fall, you give the plants time to establish strong root systems before winter, setting them up to explode with sweet, juicy berries when the weather warms.
Here’s how to plant fall strawberries the right way to ensure a healthy, productive patch.
Choose the Right Variety
There are three types of strawberries: June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. For fall planting, June-bearing varieties are the most common choice because they produce a large, flavorful crop in late spring to early summer. Popular varieties include ‘Chandler,’ ‘Earliglow,’ and ‘Jewel.’
Make sure you purchase healthy, disease-free bare-root or plug plants from a reputable nursery. Fall-planted strawberries are usually available in late summer to early fall, so plan accordingly.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Strawberries thrive in full sun, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Well-drained soil is a must—soggy roots lead to rot and disease. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds or containers to ensure proper drainage.
Prepare the soil by mixing in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A soil test can help you make any necessary amendments before planting.
Planting the Strawberries
Space your strawberry plants 12–18 inches apart in rows that are about 2 feet apart. If you’re planting in a matted row system, allow the runners to fill in the space and form a dense patch over time.
When planting, make sure the crown of the strawberry plant (where the leaves meet the roots) sits just above the soil line. If it’s buried too deep, it may rot; if it’s too high, the roots can dry out. Water each plant thoroughly after planting to help them settle in.
Mulch for Protection
Fall-planted strawberries benefit from a good layer of mulch. Once temperatures start to dip below freezing, apply 3–4 inches of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves over the plants. This mulch insulates the roots, prevents heaving from freeze-thaw cycles, and reduces weed competition.
In early spring, pull the mulch back slightly to let the plants breathe and encourage new growth. Keep it nearby, though—you may need to cover them again if there’s a late frost.
Watering and Care
Though they’re preparing for dormancy, fall strawberries still need consistent moisture while they establish their roots. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, until the ground begins to freeze. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing isn’t typically necessary at planting time if your soil is well-prepared. Wait until spring to apply a balanced fertilizer as new growth emerges.
Final Thoughts
Planting strawberries in the fall is a smart and rewarding strategy for gardeners. You’ll be giving your plants a head start that pays off with earlier and more abundant fruit production. With just a little effort now—selecting a sunny spot, preparing the soil, spacing plants properly, and applying mulch—you’ll be setting yourself up for a delicious harvest next season.
So go ahead and start your strawberry patch this fall. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did when you’re harvesting sweet, red berries right from your own backyard!
