When to plant Strawberries in Cass County, IL
In Cass County, Strawberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 6–May 20 for an 90–365-day harvest, finishing well before the October 16 first frost.
When to Plant Strawberries in Cass County, IL
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.
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Cass County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Strawberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Cass County's 184-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Cass County, IL
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Nov 18 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–365 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Cass County
Growing Tips for Cass County
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.
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 Cass County, IL?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, IL?
Cass County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Strawberries in Cass County, IL?
In Cass County, IL, plant Strawberries after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cass County, IL for Strawberries?
Cass County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Strawberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Strawberries grow in Cass County's climate?
Yes — Strawberries grows well in Cass County's temperate climate. Cass County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 16.
Your Cass County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cass County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.