When to Plant Strawberries in Carroll County, IL
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.
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 778 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IL
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Oct 28 |
· 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 | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–365 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Carroll 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
Level Up Your Garden
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IL?
Carroll County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.