The successful cultivation of strawberries depends on choosing the correct variety and planting at the optimal time. Tennessee offers two primary windows for establishing a healthy strawberry patch. Understanding spring and fall planting methods ensures the plants develop strong root systems needed to withstand the state’s variable weather. Proper preparation and careful planting techniques lay the foundation for abundant future harvests.
Optimal Planting Seasons in Tennessee
The most common time to plant bare-root strawberries in Tennessee is early spring, typically late February to early March, as soon as the soil is workable. This timing allows dormant plants to establish roots before the intense summer heat arrives. Spring-planted varieties are usually harvested the following year, as first-year flowers are removed to promote stronger vegetative growth.
An alternative is planting established transplants or plugs in late summer or fall, from late August through early October. This second window is often preferred for day-neutral or everbearing varieties, especially in the milder West and Middle Tennessee regions. Fall planting allows the root system to develop substantially before winter dormancy, potentially yielding a small initial crop the following spring. The exact timing depends on location; northern and higher-elevation areas in East Tennessee should plant closer to the beginning of the spring window.
Selecting Strawberry Varieties for the TN Climate
Selecting a strawberry variety adapted to Tennessee’s hot, humid climate is necessary for success. Strawberry plants are generally categorized into two main types based on their fruiting habits.
June-Bearing Varieties
June-bearing types produce a single, large crop over a two to three-week period, usually in late spring or early summer. Varieties like ‘Allstar’ are well-suited for Tennessee because they offer resistance to frost and produce a large flush of fruit ideal for preserving. ‘Earliglow’ is another recommended June-bearer, prized for its sweet, flavorful fruit and resistance to common soil-borne diseases such as Verticillium wilt and red stele.
Day-Neutral and Everbearing Varieties
Day-neutral and Everbearing varieties offer a continuous or dual-season harvest, producing fruit from late spring through fall, provided temperatures remain between 40 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cultivars like ‘Tristar’ or ‘Seascape’ are popular for home gardeners who desire berries for fresh eating throughout the season. Varieties such as ‘Chandler’ and ‘Camarosa’ are recognized as heat-tolerant cultivars that perform well in the warm environment.
Preparing the Garden Site
Establishing the correct growing environment is necessary to prevent common problems like root rot. Strawberries require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize fruit production. The soil must be well-drained, as standing water damages roots; raised beds or mounded rows are effective solutions in heavy clay soils.
Strawberries thrive in a slightly acidic environment with an optimal pH range of 5.8 to 6.2. A soil test is recommended. If needed, agricultural lime or elemental sulfur can adjust the pH, but these amendments should be added well in advance of planting. Improving soil structure with organic matter, such as aged compost, enhances both drainage and nutrient retention.
Avoid planting strawberries where tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes were grown in the previous three to four years, as these can harbor the fungus causing Verticillium wilt. Preparing the site ahead by suppressing perennial weeds reduces competition for new plants and improves the longevity of the patch.
Planting Techniques and Immediate Aftercare
Planting requires careful attention to the placement of the crown, the short, compressed stem structure from which leaves and roots emerge. The crown must be positioned precisely at the soil line; planting too deep causes rot, while planting too shallow allows roots to dry out. Bare-root plants should have their roots spread out in the planting hole.
Spacing requirements vary based on the chosen growing system. The matted row system commonly uses 12 to 18 inches between plants in a row to allow runners to fill the space. Day-neutral and everbearing types, which produce fewer runners, can be planted closer, typically 10 to 12 inches apart.
Immediately after planting, thoroughly soak each plant to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Consistent soil moisture is especially important for newly set plants. Mulching with straw or pine needles conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. Removing any flowers that appear on June-bearing varieties during the first growing season directs the plant’s energy toward root development, promoting a significantly larger harvest the following year.