When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Crook County, OR
Top priorities for Crook County, Oregon gardeners in May
May is a pivotal month for Crook County, Oregon gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: 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.
Crook County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.
At an elevation of 2,233 feet, Crook County receives approximately 21 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Alpine Strawberries during the growing season.
Crook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.7
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 Crook County
How your county's soil matches Alpine Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.7) is within Alpine Strawberries's preferred range (5.5–6.8).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Crook County is excellent for Alpine Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.6%) — Alpine Strawberries will thrive.
How to Plant Alpine Strawberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Crook County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Alpine 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.
Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Crook County, OR
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
| Harvest | September 29 | Sep 29 – Jan 12 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Harvest |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | Harvest |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
90–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
102 days in Crook County
Growing Tips for Alpine Strawberries in Crook County
Direct sow Alpine Strawberries outdoors after June 09 in Crook County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 102.0-day growing season in Crook County is tight for Alpine Strawberries (90.0-180.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Crook County receives only 21" of rain annually. Alpine Strawberries needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Crook County, OR?
Crook County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crook County, OR?
Crook County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 19.
Your Crook County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crook County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.