When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Dawes County, NE
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.
Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawes County receives approximately 25.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Alpine Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Dawes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dawes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Dawes County, NE
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Harvest | September 7 | Sep 7 – Nov 23 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Dawes County
Growing Tips for Dawes 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 Dawes County, NE?
Dawes County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dawes County, NE?
Dawes County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Dawes County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dawes County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.