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When to Plant Strawberries in Whitman County, WA

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.

Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,541 feet, Whitman County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Strawberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Whitman County, WA (Zone 6b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Whitman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 Whitman County's 142-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 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Strawberries Planting Timeline — Whitman County, WA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Harvest August 30 Aug 30 – Dec 13

· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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

142 days in Whitman County

Growing Tips for Whitman 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 Whitman County, WA?

Whitman County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Whitman County, WA?

Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.

🌱

Your Whitman County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Whitman 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 Whitman County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.