When to Plant Strawberries in Idaho: A Guide

When to Plant Strawberries in Idaho

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about planting strawberries in Idaho. But when is the best time to plant strawberries in Idaho?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the variety of strawberry you’re planting, the climate in your area, and your personal gardening goals.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to plant strawberries in Idaho, as well as some tips for growing a successful strawberry crop.

We’ll also cover some of the most popular varieties of strawberries that are well-suited for growing in Idaho, so you can choose the right ones for your garden.

Month	Best Time to Plant	Tips
April	Early April	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
May	Mid-May	Plant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date.
June	Late June	Transplant bare-root strawberries after the last frost date.

When To Plant Strawberries In Idaho?

Idaho has a variety of climates, so it is important to choose the right variety of strawberries for your area and plant them at the right time. The USDA hardiness zones for Idaho range from 3a to 7a. Strawberries are best planted in early spring, after the last frost date.

Climate and Growing Zones

The best time to plant strawberries in Idaho depends on your USDA hardiness zone. Strawberries are hardy in zones 3a to 7a, so you can plant them in early spring, after the last frost date. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil and Drainage

Strawberries need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand. You can also amend the soil with peat moss or compost to increase the organic matter content.

Sunlight

Strawberries need full sun to produce a good crop. If you live in an area with hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to protect the plants from the heat.

Watering

Strawberries need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, making sure to water the roots and not the leaves.

Fertilizing

Strawberries benefit from fertilization, especially during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for strawberries. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions.

Pests and Diseases

Strawberries are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, mites, birds, and diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis. You can control pests and diseases by using organic pest control methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil.

Harvesting

Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are bright red and plump. To harvest strawberries, gently twist them off the stem. Do not pull the strawberries off the stem, as this can damage the plant.

Storage

Strawberries are best eaten fresh, but they can also be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. To store strawberries, place them in a single layer in a shallow container and cover them with plastic wrap.

Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be grown in Idaho. By following these tips, you can grow a successful crop of strawberries in your garden.

Additional Resources

• [University of Idaho Extension: Growing Strawberries](https://extension.uidaho.edu/publications/files/PNW01043.pdf)
• [Missouri Botanical Garden: Growing Strawberries](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-and-gardening/your-garden/plant-information/edible-plants/berries/strawberry.aspx)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac: How to Grow Strawberries](https://www.almanac.com/garden/fruit/growing-strawberries)

When To Plant Strawberries In Idaho?

Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or made into jams and jellies. They are also relatively easy to grow in Idaho, but it is important to plant them at the right time of year for the best results.

The best time to plant strawberries in Idaho is in the spring, after the last frost date. This is typically around mid-April to mid-May, depending on your location. 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 produce a good crop of fruit.

When planting strawberries, it is important to choose a site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. The soil should be amended with compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Strawberries should be planted about 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.

After planting, water your strawberries regularly until they are established. Once they are established, you can water them less frequently, but it is important to keep the soil moist during dry periods.

Strawberries are a relatively low-maintenance crop, but they do require some care to produce a good crop of fruit. You will need to fertilize your strawberries regularly, and you will also need to control pests and diseases.

Fertilize your strawberries with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once a month during the growing season. You can also use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for strawberries.

To control pests and diseases, you can spray your strawberries with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. You can also use row covers to protect your strawberries from pests.

With proper care, you can grow a delicious crop of strawberries in Idaho. Just remember to plant them at the right time of year, provide them with the right care, and you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.

How To Grow Strawberries In Idaho

Growing strawberries in Idaho is relatively easy, but there are a few things you need to know to get the best results. Here are some tips for growing strawberries in Idaho:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Strawberries need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce a good crop of fruit. The soil should be loose and well-drained to prevent the roots from rotting.
• Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting. This will help to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil.
• Plant your strawberries in early spring, after the last frost date. Strawberries are perennial plants, so they will come back year after year.
• Space your plants 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.
• Water your strawberries regularly, especially during dry periods. Strawberries need about 1 inch of water per week.
• Fertilize your strawberries regularly with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Fertilize your strawberries once a month during the growing season.
• Control pests and diseases. Strawberries are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as aphids, mites, and powdery mildew. You can control pests and diseases by spraying your plants with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. You can also use row covers to protect your plants from pests.
• Harvest your strawberries when they are ripe. Strawberries are ripe when they are bright red and soft to the touch.

With proper care, you can grow a delicious crop of strawberries in Idaho. Just remember to follow these tips for success.

Strawberry Varieties That Grow Well In Idaho

There are many different varieties of strawberries that grow well in Idaho. Here are a few of the most popular varieties:

• June-bearing strawberries: These strawberries produce a single crop of fruit in the summer. Some popular varieties include ‘June-bearing’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Ozark Beauty’.
• Everbearing strawberries: These strawberries produce two crops of fruit per year, one in the summer and one in the fall. Some popular varieties include ‘Tristar’, ‘Seascape’, and ‘Royal Jubilee’.
• Day-neutral strawberries: These strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season. Some popular varieties include ‘Strawberry Shortcake’, ‘Tristar’, and ‘Seascape’.

When choosing a strawberry variety for your garden, consider the following factors:

• Your climate: Some strawberry varieties are better suited for warmer climates, while others are better suited for cooler climates.
• Your growing season: Some strawberry varieties produce a single crop of fruit in the summer, while others produce two crops

  When should I plant strawberries in Idaho?

The best time to plant strawberries in Idaho is in early spring, after the last frost date. This will give the plants plenty of time to establish roots before the heat of summer sets in.

What varieties of strawberries are best for Idaho?

There are many different varieties of strawberries that grow well in Idaho. Some of the best varieties for the state include:

• June-bearing strawberries: These varieties produce a single large crop of fruit in early summer. Some popular June-bearing varieties for Idaho include ‘June-Elliott’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Tristar’.
• Everbearing strawberries: These varieties produce a smaller crop of fruit throughout the summer and fall. Some popular everbearing varieties for Idaho include ‘Seascape’, ‘Tristar’, and ‘Ozark Beauty’.
• Day-neutral strawberries: These varieties produce fruit throughout the growing season, with the heaviest crop in late summer and early fall. Some popular day-neutral varieties for Idaho include ‘Albion’, ‘Tristar’, and ‘Seascape’.

How do I prepare the soil for planting strawberries?

Strawberries prefer a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To prepare the soil, you will need to:

• Remove any weeds or grass from the area where you plan to plant your strawberries.
• Till the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
• Add compost or manure to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
• Rake the soil smooth and level.

How far apart should I space my strawberry plants?

The spacing of your strawberry plants will depend on the variety you are planting. June-bearing strawberries should be spaced 12-18 inches apart, while everbearing and day-neutral strawberries should be spaced 18-24 inches apart.

How deep should I plant my strawberry plants?

Strawberry plants should be planted so that the crown of the plant is just above the soil surface.

When should I fertilize my strawberry plants?

Strawberries should be fertilized twice a year: in early spring, before the plants start to grow, and in late summer, after the plants have finished fruiting. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium.

How do I water my strawberry plants?

Strawberries need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water your plants deeply once or twice a week, making sure to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches.

How do I protect my strawberry plants from pests and diseases?

There are a number of pests and diseases that can affect strawberry plants. Some of the most common include:

• Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage strawberry plants. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Birds: Birds can be a problem for strawberry plants, as they can eat the fruit. To protect your plants from birds, you can use netting or bird deterrents.
• Diseases: Strawberry plants can be affected by a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. To prevent diseases, you can practice good sanitation, rotate crops, and remove diseased plants from the garden.

When should I harvest my strawberries?

June-bearing strawberries should be harvested when the berries are fully ripe and red. Everbearing and day-neutral strawberries can be harvested throughout the growing season, as the berries ripen. To harvest strawberries, gently twist the stem of the berry until it comes off the plant.

How do I store my strawberries?

Strawberries are best eaten fresh, but they can also be stored for a short period of time. To store strawberries, place them in a single layer in a shallow container. Cover the strawberries with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When to plant strawberries in Idaho depends on the variety of strawberry you choose. June-bearing strawberries should be planted in early spring, while everbearing and day-neutral strawberries can be planted in late spring or early summer. The best time to plant strawberries is when the soil is warm and moist, but not wet. Strawberries need full sun to produce well, so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Strawberries also need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To prepare the soil, remove any weeds and debris and till the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Plant strawberries 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Water the strawberries regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize the strawberries monthly with a balanced fertilizer. To protect the strawberries from pests and diseases, you can use row covers or mulch. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh strawberries from your garden all summer long.

Here are some key takeaways regarding the subject of when to plant strawberries in Idaho:

• June-bearing strawberries should be planted in early spring, while everbearing and day-neutral strawberries can be planted in late spring or early summer.
• The best time to plant strawberries is when the soil is warm and moist, but not wet.
• Strawberries need full sun to produce well, so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Strawberries also need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• To prepare the soil, remove any weeds and debris and till the soil to a depth of 12 inches.
• Add compost or other organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant strawberries 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart.
• Water the strawberries regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize the strawberries monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• To protect the strawberries from pests and diseases, you can use row covers or mulch.