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When to Plant Strawberries in Asotin County, WA

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.

Asotin County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.

At an elevation of 2,029 feet, Asotin County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Strawberries successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Asotin County, WA (Zone 6b) Short season
144 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
144 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Asotin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 18 – Dec 1
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 29 – Dec 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (285 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 27 🍅 Harvest: Sep 26 – Jan 9

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 Asotin County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5โ€“6.5) is within Strawberries's preferred range (5.5โ€“6.8).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) 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 Asotin County's 144-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
0.4″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 758 gal / 100 sq ft

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€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 0.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Asotin 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 1,980 GDD May not mature

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Asotin County, WA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jun 13
Harvest August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Dec 12

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

144 days in Asotin County

Growing Tips for Strawberries in Asotin County

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

Your 144.0-day growing season in Asotin County is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Asotin County receives only 14" 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 Asotin 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 Asotin County, WA?

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

What planting zone is Asotin County, WA?

Asotin County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is September 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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