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When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Mills County, TX

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.

Mills County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 4,208 feet, Mills County receives approximately 61.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90Β°F, providing good warmth for Alpine Strawberries during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Alpine Strawberries root diseases.

Mills County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Mills County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.6

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 β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mills County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline β€” Mills County, TX

Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Oct 26

Β· 12" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

90–180 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

234 days in Mills County

Growing Tips for Mills 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

  • Cabbage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Mills County, TX?

Mills County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mills County, TX?

Mills County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Mills County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mills County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.