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When to Plant Strawberries in Allegan County, MI

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.

Allegan County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,257 feet, Allegan County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Allegan County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Allegan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Nov 2
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Nov 7
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 11 🍅 Harvest: Sep 10 – Nov 26

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 67 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~3,299 GDD — county provides 2,392 GDD May not mature

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Allegan County, MI

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6
Harvest August 22 Aug 22 โ€“ Nov 7

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

165 days

Growing Tips for Allegan 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 Allegan County, MI?

Allegan County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Allegan County, MI?

Allegan County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Allegan 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 Allegan County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.