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When to Plant Strawberries in Walla Walla 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.

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Strawberries during the growing season.

Walla Walla County, WA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Walla Walla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Nov 6
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 10 – Nov 23
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Dec 17

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 Walla Walla County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2โ€“6.4) overlaps with Strawberries's range (5.5โ€“6.8), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) โ€” Strawberries will thrive.

How to Plant Strawberries

12"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 702 gal / 100 sq ft
Strawberries needs ~3,128 GDD — county provides 2,447 GDD May not mature

Strawberries Planting Timeline โ€” Walla Walla County, WA

Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 โ€“ Nov 23

ยท 12" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
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: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

178 days in Walla Walla County

Growing Tips for Strawberries in Walla Walla County

Direct sow Strawberries outdoors after April 20 in Walla Walla County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 178.0-day growing season in Walla Walla County is tight for Strawberries (90.0-365.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Walla Walla County receives only 24" 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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Strawberries in Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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