When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Lincoln County, WV
What to do in May
Your Lincoln County, West Virginia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Move alpine strawberries into the garden
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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.
Lincoln County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 3,174 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Alpine Strawberries during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Alpine Strawberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) overlaps with Alpine Strawberries's range (5.5–6.8), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Alpine Strawberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Alpine Strawberries.
How to Plant Alpine Strawberries
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, WV
Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Nov 19 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
90–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Alpine Strawberries in Lincoln County
Direct sow Alpine Strawberries outdoors after April 16 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Lincoln County, WV?
Lincoln County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WV?
Lincoln County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.