When to Plant Strawberries in Arkansas: A Guide for Gardeners

When to Plant Strawberries in Arkansas

Arkansas is a state with a long and rich history of strawberry farming. The state’s climate is ideal for growing strawberries, and the fertile soil produces some of the sweetest and most flavorful strawberries in the country. If you’re thinking about growing strawberries in Arkansas, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is when to plant them.

The best time to plant strawberries in Arkansas is in the spring, when the weather is warm and the soil is starting to warm up. The ideal planting time is between March and April, but you can also plant strawberries in May or early June. If you plant your strawberries too early, they may be damaged by frost. If you plant them too late, they may not have enough time to mature before the first frost.

To help you decide when to plant your strawberries, take a look at the average last frost date for your area. This is the date when the temperature is expected to stay above 32 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 48 hours. Once the average last frost date has passed, you can safely plant your strawberries.

Here are a few additional tips for planting strawberries in Arkansas:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
• Plant your strawberries 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart.
• Cover your strawberries with a layer of mulch to help keep the soil moist and protect them from weeds.
• Water your strawberries regularly, especially during dry spells.

With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown strawberries from your own garden all summer long.

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Month	Ideal Planting Date	Notes
February	Start seeds indoors	Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
March	Transplant seedlings outdoors	Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date.
April	Start seeds outdoors	Start seeds outdoors after the last frost date.
May	Plant bare-root strawberries	Plant bare-root strawberries after the last frost date.

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Climate and soil conditions for growing strawberries in Arkansas

The climate and soil conditions in Arkansas are ideal for growing strawberries. The state has a warm, humid climate with long growing seasons, and the soil is fertile and well-drained.

Temperature

Strawberries need a warm climate to thrive. The ideal temperature for growing strawberries is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Arkansas typically has warm summers and mild winters, making it a good place to grow strawberries.

Rainfall

Strawberries need regular rainfall to produce a good crop. The state of Arkansas receives an average of 40 inches of rain per year, which is more than enough for growing strawberries.

Soil type

Strawberries grow best in a fertile, well-drained soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.5. Arkansas has a variety of soil types, so it is easy to find a good spot to grow strawberries.

pH level

The pH level of the soil is important for growing strawberries. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, it can stunt the growth of strawberries and make them more susceptible to diseases.

Varieties of strawberries that grow well in Arkansas

There are many different varieties of strawberries that grow well in Arkansas. The best variety for you will depend on your climate, soil conditions, and personal preferences.

June-bearing strawberries

June-bearing strawberries are the most popular variety of strawberries. They produce a single large crop of fruit in the summer. June-bearing strawberries are a good choice for gardeners who want to enjoy a fresh supply of strawberries in the summer. Some popular June-bearing varieties include ‘Earliglow’, ‘June-bearing Jubilee’, and ‘Allstar’.

Everbearing strawberries

Everbearing strawberries produce a smaller crop of fruit throughout the growing season. They are a good choice for gardeners who want to have fresh strawberries to eat all summer long. Some popular everbearing varieties include ‘Tristar’, ‘Seascape’, and ‘Strawberry Festival’.

Day-neutral strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries produce a continuous crop of fruit throughout the growing season. They are a good choice for gardeners who want to have fresh strawberries to eat all year long. Some popular day-neutral varieties include ‘Albion’, ‘Tribute’, and ‘Seascape’.

Arkansas is a great place to grow strawberries. The state has a warm, humid climate with long growing seasons, and the soil is fertile and well-drained. There are many different varieties of strawberries that grow well in Arkansas, so you can choose the one that is best for your climate and personal preferences.

When to plant strawberries in Arkansas

The best time to plant strawberries in Arkansas is in the spring, from March to May. This will give the plants plenty of time to establish themselves before the summer heat sets in. However, you can also plant strawberries in the fall, from September to October. If you plant strawberries in the fall, they will need to be protected from the cold weather.

Spring planting

When planting strawberries in the spring, choose a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil. The soil should be pH neutral or slightly acidic. If your soil is not the right pH, you can amend it with lime or sulfur.

Before planting, loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches. Add a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost to the soil. If you are planting in raised beds, fill the beds with a mixture of compost and potting soil.

Space the plants about 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Gently press the roots of the plants into the soil and water them well.

Fall planting

When planting strawberries in the fall, choose a spot in your garden that is protected from the wind. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. If your soil is not the right pH, you can amend it with lime or sulfur.

Before planting, loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches. Add a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost to the soil. If you are planting in raised beds, fill the beds with a mixture of compost and potting soil.

Space the plants about 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Gently press the roots of the plants into the soil and water them well.

After planting, mulch the plants with straw or leaves to help protect them from the cold weather.

How to care for strawberries in Arkansas

Strawberries are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to do to ensure that they produce a good crop of berries.

Watering

Strawberries need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, making sure to wet the soil all the way down to the roots. If the weather is very hot and dry, you may need to water the plants more often.

Fertilizing

Strawberries should be fertilized regularly to produce a good crop of berries. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to the plants every 6 to 8 weeks. You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for strawberries.

Pest control

Strawberries are susceptible to a number of pests, including aphids, mites, and birds. To control pests, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Handpicking: Handpick pests off the plants and destroy them.
• Spraying with insecticidal soap: Spray the plants with a solution of insecticidal soap to kill pests.
• Using row covers: Cover the plants with row covers to keep pests off.
• Attracting beneficial insects: Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to help control pests.

Pruning

Strawberries should be pruned regularly to keep them healthy and productive. Prune the plants in the spring to remove any dead or diseased leaves. In the fall, prune the plants back to about 6 inches tall to help them overwinter.

By following these tips, you can grow a delicious crop of strawberries in Arkansas. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh strawberries all summer long.

When is the best time to plant strawberries in Arkansas?

The best time to plant strawberries in Arkansas is in the spring, from March to April. This will give the plants plenty of time to establish roots before the summer heat sets in.

What type of soil do strawberries need?

Strawberries need a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5.

**How much sun do strawberries need?

Strawberries need full sun to produce a good crop.

**How much water do strawberries need?

Strawberries need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.

**How to fertilize strawberries?

Strawberries should be fertilized twice a year, in the spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, should be used.

**How to prune strawberries?

Strawberries should be pruned in the fall to remove any diseased or damaged leaves and stems. The plants should also be thinned out to allow for air circulation.

**How to protect strawberries from pests and diseases?

Strawberries can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as aphids, mites, and powdery mildew. To protect your plants, you can use a variety of organic and chemical controls.

**How to harvest strawberries?

Strawberries are ready to harvest when the berries are bright red and plump. To harvest the berries, gently twist them off the stem.

**How to store strawberries?

Strawberries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store the berries, place them in a single layer in a shallow container and cover them with plastic wrap.

When to plant strawberries in Arkansas is a topic that gardeners should take into consideration when planning their crops. The ideal time to plant strawberries in Arkansas is in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Strawberries should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. The plants should be spaced about 18 inches apart. Strawberries will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. They will also need to be fertilized once a month. With proper care, strawberries will produce a delicious crop of fruit in the summer.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when planting strawberries in Arkansas:

• The ideal time to plant strawberries is in the early spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Strawberries should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil.
• The plants should be spaced about 18 inches apart.
• Strawberries will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
• They will also need to be fertilized once a month.

By following these tips, you can grow a healthy crop of strawberries in Arkansas.