When to Plant Strawberries in Vilas County, WI
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.
Vilas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 543 feet, Vilas County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Strawberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Vilas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Strawberries Planting Timeline — Vilas County, WI
Strawberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Harvest | September 17 | Sep 17 – Nov 12 |
· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
90–365 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
131 days
Growing Tips for Vilas 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
Level Up Your Garden
Strawberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Strawberries in Vilas County, WI?
Vilas County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vilas County, WI?
Vilas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Vilas County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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