When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Marion County, MS
Your May game plan for Marion County, Mississippi
Here's what deserves your attention in Marion County, Mississippi this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.
At an elevation of 330 feet, Marion County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Alpine Strawberries during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Alpine Strawberries, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Marion County, MS
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Oct 11 |
· 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
257 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Marion County
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 Marion County, MS?
Marion County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, MS?
Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 20.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Marion 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.