When to Plant Strawberries in Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Top priorities for Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Bring in the strawberries
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: 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.
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 381 feet, Jefferson Davis Parish receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Strawberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Strawberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Strawberries root diseases.
Jefferson Davis Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Jefferson Davis Parish
How your county's soil matches Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) overlaps with Strawberries's range (5.5–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Strawberries will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Strawberries.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Strawberries.
How to Plant Strawberries
How Much Strawberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Jefferson Davis Parish's 297-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jefferson Davis Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Dec 25 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–365 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Jefferson Davis Parish
Growing Tips for Strawberries in Jefferson Davis Parish
Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after February 13 in Jefferson Davis Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis Parish dries quickly — mulch Strawberries with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your 298.0-day growing season in Jefferson Davis Parish is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Strawberries Varieties for Jefferson Davis Parish
Everbearing varieties that produce through your long season
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 Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Jefferson Davis Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson Davis Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.