When to Plant Strawberries in Madison County, NE
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.
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 858 feet, Madison County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
How Much Strawberries to Grow
For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Madison County's 160-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Madison County, NE
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | August 20 | Aug 20 – Nov 5 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Madison 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Madison County, NE?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, NE?
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.