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When to plant Strawberries in Bates County, MO

Bates County's short 199-day growing season means one Strawberries planting between April 30 and May 14. No fall crop in Zone 6b.

When to Plant Strawberries in Bates County, MO

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.

Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Bates County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Bates County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Bates County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

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 Bates County's 199-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bates County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Strawberries Planting Timeline — Bates County, MO

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 – Nov 12

· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Bates County

Growing Tips for Bates 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 Bates County, MO?

Bates County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bates County, MO?

Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Strawberries in Bates County, MO?

In Bates County, MO, plant Strawberries after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bates County, MO for Strawberries?

Bates County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Strawberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Strawberries grow in Bates County's climate?

Yes — Strawberries grows well in Bates County's temperate climate. Bates County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Bates County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bates County (Zone 6b). 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 Bates County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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