Blog

When to Plant Strawberries in Hampton City, VA

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.

Hampton City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 299 feet, Hampton City receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Hampton City, VA (Zone 7b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Hampton City Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Nov 13
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Nov 19
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Dec 13

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 Hampton City

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 Hampton City is excellent for Strawberries โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Strawberries.

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 Hampton City's 244-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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 664 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€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec โ€” 4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Marโ€“Nov in Hampton City). 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 ~4,664 GDD — county provides 5,002 GDD Good fit

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Hampton City, VA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Nov 19

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 โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

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 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

244 days in Hampton City

Growing Tips for Strawberries in Hampton City

Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after March 19 in Hampton City when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 244.0-day growing season in Hampton City is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

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 Hampton City

Everbearing varieties that produce through your long season

Seascape Albion San Andreas

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 Hampton City, VA?

Hampton City is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hampton City, VA?

Hampton City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hampton City gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Hampton City, VA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.