When to Plant Strawberries in Benzie 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.
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 1,075 feet, Benzie County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.
Benzie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Benzie County, MI
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Nov 17 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Benzie 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 Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benzie County, MI?
Benzie County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benzie County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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