When to plant Strawberries in Will County County,
In Will County County, Strawberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 14–May 28 for an 365-day harvest, finishing well before the October 17 first frost.
When to Plant Strawberries in Will 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.
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 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.
Will County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Strawberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Will County's 177-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Will County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Will County, IL
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Nov 26 |
· 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
177 days in Will County
Growing Tips for Will 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 Will County, IL?
Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Will County, IL?
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Strawberries in Will County County, ?
In Will County County, , plant Strawberries after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Will County County, for Strawberries?
Will County 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 Will County County's climate?
Yes — Strawberries grows well in Will County County's temperate climate. Will County County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.
Your Will County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Will 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.