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When to plant Alpine Strawberries in Marshall County, IL

In Marshall County, Alpine Strawberries is a spring-only crop. Plant May 12–May 26 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Marshall County, IL

Alpine strawberries are small, intensely flavored wild-type strawberries that fruit continuously from spring to frost. They do not produce runners and make excellent edging plants.

Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 1,177 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Alpine Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.

Marshall County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Marshall County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Marshall County, IL

Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 – May 26
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Oct 27

· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Marshall County

Growing Tips for Marshall County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Unlike regular strawberries, alpines do not spread by runners. Harvest tiny, intensely aromatic berries frequently. Grow well in partial shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cabbage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Marshall County, IL?

Marshall County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marshall County, IL?

Marshall County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Marshall County, IL?

In Marshall County, IL, plant Alpine Strawberries after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Marshall County, IL for Alpine Strawberries?

Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Alpine Strawberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Alpine Strawberries grow in Marshall County's climate?

Yes — Alpine Strawberries grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marshall County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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