When to Plant Strawberries in Alabama

Before you start planting strawberry plants, it’s important to check their hardiness zone. Strawberries are a perennial plant that can be grown year round in zones 5-9. For zones 4 & 10, strawberries are considered an annual plant which means they must be replanted each year. Alabama is Zone 7 and is an excellent location to grow strawberries.

In this blog post, we’ll look at how to successfully plant and care for strawberries. We will also discuss diseases, pest and why it is important to protect your plants from frost.

What type of soil should I use when planting my strawberries?

It’s best to use a soil that drains well yet retains enough moisture to keep the roots from drying out. Here are a few tips for preparing your soil:

1. Loamy Soil: Aim for a sandy loam or a loam that has a mix of sand, silt, and clay. This type of soil structure ensures good drainage while also holding sufficient moisture.
2. pH Level: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it with lime if it’s too acidic or sulfur if it’s too alkaline.
3. Organic Matter: Mix in plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve the soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and maintain moisture levels.
4. Well-Draining: If your soil is heavy and clayey, consider raising your beds or adding sand and organic matter to improve drainage.

Preparing your soil with these characteristics will help your strawberries grow healthy and produce well.

How to Plant Strawberry Plants?

Planting strawberry plants effectively can ensure a bountiful and healthy crop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant strawberry plants:

• Choose the Right Time
  • Plant strawberries in early spring, or in the fall in Alabama.
• Select the Right Site
  • Choose a location that gets full sun for at least six to eight hours per day.
  • Ensure the site has good air circulation and well-drained soil.
• Planting Layout
  • Space plants about 8-16 inches apart in rows that are 1-2 feet apart. This spacing allows for easy maintenance and harvesting.
  • For container planting, ensure there is adequate space for roots to spread.
• Planting Technique
  • Dig holes deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them.
  • Set each plant so the crown (where the leaves emerge) is level with the soil surface. Burying the crown can cause the plant to rot.
  • Spread the roots downward and outward in the hole, then backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots.

By following these steps, your strawberry plants should establish well and lead to a successful harvest.

When and how should I water my strawberries?

Water strawberries regularly, especially if they’re planted in spring or summer. During periods of heavy rain, you may need to stop watering every day, but after a few weeks it should be back to normal. Too much water can lessen the berry flavor and cause the berries to burst.

How do I protect my strawberry plants from frost?

Protecting strawberry plants from frost is crucial to maintaining the health and productivity of your crop. Here are effective strategies to safeguard your strawberries during cold snaps:

• Mulching
  • Apply a thick layer of straw or pine needles over your strawberry plants. This insulation helps maintain a more consistent soil temperature and protects the roots and crowns from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in the spring after the last frost.
• Floating Row Covers
  • Use floating row covers, a lightweight, breathable fabric, to cover your strawberry plants. These covers trap heat and prevent frost from settling directly on the plants. Be sure to secure the edges of the cover with rocks or soil to keep the wind from blowing it away.
• Cloches
  • For smaller patches or individual plants, cloches can be very effective. You can use commercial cloches or make your own from materials like plastic jugs or glass domes. Place them over the plants in the evening and remove them during the day if temperatures rise to avoid overheating.
• Cold Frames
  • Construct a cold frame around your strawberry bed. This can be as simple as a wooden frame with a clear old window on top or more complex designs. Cold frames provide a microclimate that can shield plants from harsh conditions.
• Remove Covers During the Day
  • If you use covers (fabric, plastic, or cloches), remember to remove or vent them during the day to allow heat to escape and prevent overheating your plants.

By implementing these protective measures, you can help ensure that your strawberry plants survive through frosty conditions and continue to thrive.