When to Plant Strawberries in Leake County, MS
This month in Leake County, Mississippi
May is a pivotal month for Leake County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Leake County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 243 feet, Leake County receives approximately 59.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Strawberries, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Strawberries root diseases.
Leake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 Leake County
How your county's soil matches Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.3) is within Strawberries's preferred range (5.5–6.8).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Leake County is excellent for Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Leake County's 229-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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Leake County). 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 — Leake County, MS
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Dec 27 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
229 days in Leake County
Growing Tips for Strawberries in Leake County
Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after March 22 in Leake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Leake County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Strawberries. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 229.0-day growing season in Leake County 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 Leake County
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 Leake County, MS?
Leake County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leake County, MS?
Leake County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 6.
Your Leake County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Leake County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.