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When to Plant Strawberries in Bolivar County, MS

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.

Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 299 feet, Bolivar County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Strawberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Strawberries, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Strawberries root diseases.

Bolivar County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Bolivar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Dec 10
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Dec 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (325 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Jan 8

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
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 75 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~5,176 GDD — county provides 5,551 GDD Good fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Bolivar County, MS

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 16
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Dec 17

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 8a

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Bolivar 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 Bolivar County, MS?

Bolivar County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bolivar County, MS?

Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bolivar County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Bolivar County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.