Blog

When to Plant Strawberries in Kemper 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.

Kemper County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 292 feet, Kemper County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season. 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.

Kemper County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Kemper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Dec 19
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Dec 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (307 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Jan 20

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~3,981 GDD — county provides 3,990 GDD Good fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Kemper County, MS

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 โ€“ Apr 27
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Dec 28

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

228 days

Growing Tips for Kemper 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 Kemper County, MS?

Kemper County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kemper County, MS?

Kemper County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kemper County gardeners in Zone 8a 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kemper County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.