Blog

When to Plant Strawberries in Wilkinson 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.

Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.

At an elevation of 379 feet, Wilkinson County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Wilkinson County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
265 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
265 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Wilkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Nov 24
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Dec 8
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Dec 27

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 333 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~4,664 GDD — county provides 5,432 GDD Good fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Wilkinson County, MS

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 7
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Dec 8

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
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

265 days

Growing Tips for Wilkinson 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 Wilkinson County, MS?

Wilkinson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilkinson County, MS?

Wilkinson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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