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When to Plant Strawberries in Crook County, OR

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.

Crook County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 102 days.

At an elevation of 2,233 feet, Crook County receives approximately 21 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Crook County, OR (Zone 6a) Short season
102 days
Last Spring Frost June 9
102 growing days
First Fall Frost September 19

Crook County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (251 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 20 🍅 Harvest: Sep 19 – Jan 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (250 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 29 – Jan 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (254 days to spare)
Transplant: Jul 13 🍅 Harvest: Oct 12 – Jan 25

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.

Soil Compatibility in Crook County

How your county's soil matches Strawberries's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7โ€“6.7) is within Strawberries's preferred range (5.5โ€“6.8).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Crook County is excellent for Strawberries โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (5.6%) โ€” Strawberries will thrive.

How to Plant Strawberries

12"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

How Much Strawberries to Grow

1 lb
Average yield per plant
10
Plants per person
20 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 40 strawberries plants in about 80 sq ft. In Crook County's 102-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 147 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Strawberries

Strawberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Strawberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 3.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 3.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Crook County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Strawberries Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Strawberries needs ~3,128 GDD — county provides 1,402 GDD May not mature

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Crook County, OR

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Jul 14
Harvest September 29 Sep 29 โ€“ Jan 12

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

90โ€“365 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 5.5โ€“6.8 ยท Your soil: ideal

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

102 days in Crook County

Growing Tips for Strawberries in Crook County

Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after June 09 in Crook County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 102.0-day growing season in Crook County is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Crook County receives only 21" of rain annually. Strawberries needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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.

Recommended Strawberries Varieties for Crook County

June-bearing varieties suited for northern climates

Sparkle Jewel Earliglow

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Strawberries in Crook County, OR?

Crook County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crook County, OR?

Crook County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crook County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Crook County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.