Blog

When to Plant Strawberries in Hays County, TX

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.

Hays County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.

At an elevation of 3,119 feet, Hays County receives approximately 61.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay 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.

Hays County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
261 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
261 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Hays County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Dec 1
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Dec 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (338 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Jan 7

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 13 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~3,981 GDD — county provides 4,567 GDD Good fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Hays County, TX

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 โ€“ Dec 11

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 8b

Growing Season

261 days

Growing Tips for Hays 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 Hays County, TX?

Hays County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hays County, TX?

Hays County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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