When to Plant Strawberries in Rio Blanco County, CO
What to do in May
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
June prep starts now
- Transplants going out: strawberries
Strawberries are a beloved perennial fruit available as June-bearing, ever-bearing, and day-neutral types. They are one of the easiest fruits to grow in containers or garden beds.
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Strawberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rio Blanco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Rio Blanco County
How your county's soil matches Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.7) is more alkaline than Strawberries prefers (5.5–6.8). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rio Blanco County is excellent for Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Strawberries.
How to Plant Strawberries
How Much Strawberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Rio Blanco County's 107-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Strawberries
Strawberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Strawberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Rio Blanco County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Strawberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Rio Blanco County, CO
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | September 22 | Sep 22 – Dec 8 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–365 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Rio Blanco County
Growing Tips for Strawberries in Rio Blanco County
Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after June 02 in Rio Blanco County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 107.0-day growing season in Rio Blanco County is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Rio Blanco County receives only 19" of rain annually. Strawberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant with crowns at soil level. Remove runners the first year to strengthen plants. Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and suppress weeds. Renovate June-bearing beds after harvest.
Recommended Strawberries Varieties for Rio Blanco County
June-bearing varieties suited for northern climates
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.
Your Rio Blanco County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rio Blanco County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.