If you are wondering when to plant strawberries in Arkansas, the answer depends on your specific region and the type of strawberries you want to grow. Arkansas strawberry growers should plant in early spring, around mid-March, for a strong June harvest. This timing gives the plants enough cool weather to establish roots before the heat of summer arrives.
Strawberries are a favorite crop in Arkansas, and getting the planting date right is key to a bountiful harvest. The state has a unique climate with hot summers and mild winters, so you need to plan carefully. In this guide, you will learn the exact planting windows, soil preparation steps, and care tips for Arkansas strawberry beds.
When To Plant Strawberries In Arkansas
The best time to plant strawberries in Arkansas is early spring, typically from mid-March to early April. This window works for most of the state, including the Ozarks, the Delta, and the central regions. Planting too early risks frost damage, while planting too late means the plants struggle in the summer heat.
For fall planting, which is less common, aim for late September to early October. Fall planting gives the plants a head start for the next spring, but it requires careful mulching to protect them through winter. Most home gardeners in Arkansas stick with spring planting for simplicity and reliability.
Regional Variations In Arkansas
Arkansas has three main growing zones: the northern highlands, the central region, and the southern lowlands. Each area has slightly different weather patterns that affect planting dates.
- Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b-7a): Plant from late March to early April. The last frost usually occurs around mid-April.
- Central Arkansas (Zone 7b): Plant from mid-March to late March. The growing season is longer here.
- Southern Arkansas (Zone 8a): Plant from early March to mid-March. Winters are milder, so you can start earlier.
Check your local frost dates using the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service website. This helps you avoid planting during a cold snap. If you plant too early, cover the beds with row covers or straw to protect young plants.
Soil Temperature Requirements
Strawberries need soil temperatures between 50°F and 60°F for good root growth. Use a soil thermometer to check the temperature at a depth of 4 inches. In Arkansas, soil usually reaches this range by mid-March in most areas.
If the soil is too cold, the roots stay dormant and the plants may rot. If the soil is too warm, the plants focus on leaf growth instead of roots. Aim for that sweet spot of 50-60°F for the best start.
Choosing The Right Strawberry Variety For Arkansas
Not all strawberries grow well in Arkansas. You need varieties that handle the heat and humidity. The state is best suited for June-bearing strawberries, which produce one large crop in late spring or early summer.
Ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties can also work, but they produce smaller crops and need more care in the Arkansas heat. Here are the top recomended varieties for Arkansas:
- Chandler: A popular June-bearing variety with large, sweet berries. It does well in all regions of Arkansas.
- Sweet Charlie: An early-season June-bearing variety that produces fruit in late April to early May. It resists common diseases.
- Ozark Beauty: An ever-bearing variety that produces fruit from spring until fall. It needs consistent watering.
- Seascape: A day-neutral variety that produces fruit throughout the growing season. It works well in containers.
Talk to your local nursery or extension office for specific advice. They know which varieties perform best in your county. Avoid generic “strawberry” plants from big-box stores unless you know the variety name.
June-Bearing Vs. Ever-Bearing
June-bearing strawberries are the most common choice for Arkansas gardens. They produce one large crop in late May or June, depending on the variety and weather. This gives you a big harvest for jams, freezing, or fresh eating.
Ever-bearing strawberries produce two to three smaller crops per year: one in spring, one in summer, and one in fall. They need more fertilizer and water to keep producing. Day-neutral strawberries are similar but produce continuously as long as temperatures stay below 85°F.
For beginners, June-bearing varieties are easier to manage. You only need to worry about one harvest, and the plants are more tolerant of Arkansas’s summer heat. If you want a steady supply of fresh berries, try ever-bearing or day-neutral types.
Preparing Your Soil For Strawberries
Strawberries need well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Arkansas soil is often clay-heavy or acidic, so you may need to amend it. Start preparing your bed at least two weeks before planting.
Follow these steps to get your soil ready:
- Test the soil: Use a home test kit or send a sample to the Arkansas Extension Service. They will tell you the pH and nutrient levels.
- Adjust the pH: If the pH is below 5.5, add lime. If it is above 6.5, add sulfur. Follow the test recommendations.
- Add organic matter: Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
- Remove weeds: Pull out all weeds and grass. Strawberries hate competition from weeds.
- Create raised beds: In clay soil, raised beds help drainage. Make beds 6-8 inches high and 3-4 feet wide.
Good soil preparation prevents many common problems like root rot and poor growth. Do not skip this step, even if you are in a hurry.
Fertilizer Basics
Strawberries are heavy feeders, but they do not need a lot of nitrogen at planting time. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Mix it into the top 6 inches of soil before planting.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause lush leaves but few berries. After the plants start blooming, side-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer like 5-10-10. This supports fruit development without excessive foliage.
Planting Strawberries Step By Step
Once your soil is ready and the weather is right, it is time to plant. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Buy healthy plants: Choose certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery. Avoid plants with wilted leaves or moldy roots.
- Soak the roots: Before planting, soak the bare-root plants in water for 30 minutes. This rehydrates the roots.
- Dig holes: Dig holes deep enough to cover the roots but keep the crown (where the roots meet the stem) at soil level. Burying the crown causes rot.
- Space plants correctly: Space June-bearing plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Space ever-bearing plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Water well: After planting, water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist but not soggy for the first two weeks.
- Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of straw or pine needles around the plants. This keeps the soil cool and suppresses weeds.
If you are planting in containers, use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix and follow the same spacing guidelines. Container strawberries need more frequent watering.
Common Planting Mistakes
Many new gardeners make these errors when planting strawberries in Arkansas:
- Planting too deep: The crown must be above the soil line. If it is covered, the plant will rot.
- Planting too shallow: If the roots are exposed, the plant dries out quickly.
- Overcrowding: Too many plants in a small space leads to disease and small berries.
- Skipping mulch: Without mulch, the soil gets too hot and weeds take over.
Avoid these mistakes by following the steps above. Your strawberries will thank you with a big harvest.
Caring For Strawberries After Planting
After you plant, the work is not over. Strawberries need consistent care through the growing season. Here is what to do:
Watering
Strawberries need about 1-2 inches of water per week. In Arkansas, summer droughts are common, so you may need to water more often. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep water off the leaves. Wet leaves lead to fungal diseases.
Water in the morning so the leaves dry by evening. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water.
Weeding
Weeds compete with strawberries for water and nutrients. Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe carefully around the plants. Mulch helps reduce weeds, but you still need to check regularly.
Do not use herbicides near strawberries unless they are specifically labeled for use on them. Most herbicides will kill or damage the plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilize again in early summer after the first harvest. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at half the rate you used at planting. For ever-bearing varieties, fertilize again in late summer to support the fall crop.
Avoid fertilizing after September. This encourages new growth that will be damaged by frost.
Mulching For Winter
In Arkansas, winter temperatures can drop below 20°F, which can damage strawberry plants. Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles (4-6 inches) after the first hard freeze. This insulates the plants and prevents frost heaving.
Remove the mulch in early spring when new growth appears. Leave a thin layer to keep the soil cool and suppress weeds.
Harvesting Strawberries In Arkansas
If you planted in mid-March, you can expect to harvest from late May to early June for June-bearing varieties. Ever-bearing varieties produce their first crop in late spring and continue through fall.
Pick berries when they are fully red and firm. Do not pull them; instead, pinch the stem above the berry. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season to prevent overripe fruit.
Strawberries do not ripen after picking, so only pick fully ripe berries. They last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them or make jam.
Yields In Arkansas
A well-maintained strawberry bed in Arkansas can produce 1-2 pounds of berries per plant per season. That means a 10-foot row with 5 plants can give you 5-10 pounds of strawberries. With good care, you can expect even more.
First-year plants often produce fewer berries. Remove the first flush of flowers from June-bearing plants to encourage strong root growth. This leads to a bigger harvest in the second year.
Common Pests And Diseases In Arkansas
Arkansas strawberry growers face several pests and diseases. Here are the most common ones and how to handle them:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves, causing yellow spots. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Small green or black insects that cluster on new growth. Wash them off with a strong spray of water.
- Slugs and snails: They eat holes in ripe berries. Use diatomaceous earth or beer traps around the plants.
- Gray mold (Botrytis): A fungal disease that rots berries. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and removing infected fruit.
- Powdery mildew: White powder on leaves. Use a fungicide labeled for strawberries or a baking soda solution.
Prevention is the best strategy. Keep the garden clean, water at the base, and remove any diseased plants immediately. Rotate your strawberry bed every 3-4 years to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Strawberries In The Fall In Arkansas?
Yes, you can plant in late September to early October. Fall planting gives the plants a head start for spring, but you need to mulch heavily to protect them from winter cold. Spring planting is more reliable for most gardeners.
What Is The Best Strawberry Variety For Arkansas Heat?
Chandler and Sweet Charlie are top choices for Arkansas heat. They handle the humidity and produce large, sweet berries. Ozark Beauty is a good ever-bearing option for continuous harvest.
How Deep Should I Plant Strawberry Plants?
Plant so the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is at soil level. Burying the crown causes rot, while leaving roots exposed dries them out. Aim for the crown to sit just above the soil line.
Do Strawberries Need Full Sun In Arkansas?
Yes, strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In Arkansas, afternoon shade can help in extreme heat, but full sun is best for fruit production. Avoid shady spots near trees or buildings.
How Often Should I Water Strawberries In Arkansas?
Water 1-2 inches per week, more during dry spells. Use drip irrigation to keep leaves dry. Check soil moisture regularly, especially in sandy or clay soils.
Final Tips For Arkansas Strawberry Growers
Growing strawberries in Arkansas is rewarding if you get the timing right. Remember to plant in early spring, around mid-March, for the best results. Prepare your soil well, choose the right variety, and give your plants consistent care.
Do not forget to mulch for winter and watch for pests. With a little effort, you will enjoy fresh, homegrown strawberries from your own garden. Start planning your bed now, and you will be picking berries by early summer.
If you have more questions, contact your local Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. They offer free advice and soil testing. Happy growing, and enjoy your strawberries!