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When to plant Strawberries in Cedar County, IA

Cedar County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Strawberries May 8–May 22 for the single annual harvest; the October 16 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Strawberries in Cedar County, IA

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.

Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Cedar County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Cedar County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Cedar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Strawberries to Grow

1 lb
Average yield per plant
10
Plants per person
20 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Cedar County's 182-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Strawberries Planting Timeline — Cedar County, IA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Oct 23

· 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

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 5a

📆 Growing Season

182 days in Cedar County

Growing Tips for Cedar 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

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Strawberries in Cedar County, IA?

Cedar County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cedar County, IA?

Cedar County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Strawberries in Cedar County, IA?

In Cedar County, IA, plant Strawberries after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cedar County, IA for Strawberries?

Cedar 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 Cedar County's climate?

Yes — Strawberries grows well in Cedar County's temperate climate. Cedar County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Cedar County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cedar 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.