When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Caldwell Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Your garden in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: alpine strawberries
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.
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 334 feet, Caldwell Parish receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Alpine Strawberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat.
Caldwell Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Caldwell Parish
How your county's soil matches Alpine Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.0) overlaps with Alpine Strawberries's range (5.5–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Caldwell Parish is excellent for Alpine Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Alpine Strawberries.
How to Plant Alpine Strawberries
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Alpine Strawberries
Alpine 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 | Alpine Strawberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Caldwell Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Alpine 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.
Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Caldwell Parish, LA
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Oct 13 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Caldwell Parish
Growing Tips for Alpine Strawberries in Caldwell Parish
Direct sow Alpine Strawberries outdoors after March 10 in Caldwell Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Caldwell Parish, provide afternoon shade for Alpine Strawberries and water deeply in the morning.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Alpine Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell Parish, LA?
Caldwell Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Caldwell Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caldwell Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.