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When to Plant Strawberries in Greene 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.

Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 1,248 feet, Greene County receives approximately 37 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Greene County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Greene County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Oct 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Oct 31

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 992 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Strawberries needs ~3,299 GDD — county provides 2,769 GDD May not mature

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Greene County, IL

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 โ€“ Oct 19

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

90โ€“365 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 6.8

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Greene 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Strawberries in Greene County, IL?

Greene County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greene County, IL?

Greene County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greene County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Greene County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.