When to plant Strawberries in Summit County, CO
Summit County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Strawberries July 7–July 21 for the single annual harvest; the September 4 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Strawberries in Summit County, CO
June in the garden — Summit County, Colorado
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Summit County, Colorado this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 7,005 feet, Summit County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Strawberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8
Drainage
Well Drained
Strawberries 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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.0) is more alkaline than Strawberries prefers (5.5–6.8). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Strawberries.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 Summit County's 80-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Strawberries 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit 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 — Summit County, CO
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Harvest | October 6 | Oct 6 – Dec 22 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Strawberries in Summit County
Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after June 16 in Summit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 80.0-day growing season in Summit County is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Summit County receives only 18" 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 Summit 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 Summit County, CO?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, CO?
Summit County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 4.
When should I plant Strawberries in Summit County, CO?
In Summit County, CO, plant Strawberries after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Summit County, CO for Strawberries?
Summit County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Strawberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Strawberries grow in Summit County's climate?
Yes — Strawberries grows well in Summit County's temperate climate. Summit County averages a 80-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 4.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.