Strawberry Planting Guide: How to Get Your Plants Ready for Fall

Strawberries are one of those garden plants that can reward you long after summer begins to wind down. As temperatures start changing, fall is an important time to prepare strawberry plants for healthy roots, winter protection, and the next growing season.

Whether you already have strawberries growing in your garden or you're planning to add new plants, a little fall preparation can make a big difference.

The most important things to focus on are plant health, soil moisture, spacing, weeds, feeding, and winter protection.

But there is one important rule to remember:

Fall strawberry care depends on your climate, strawberry type, and local planting window.

A gardener in a mild climate may be able to plant strawberries in fall, while a gardener in a colder region may need to focus on protecting established plants before freezing weather arrives.

In this guide, we'll cover how to get your strawberry plants ready for fall, how to plant new strawberries when fall planting is appropriate, and how to protect them for the colder months.

Why Fall Is Important for Strawberry Plants

Fall is more than a cleanup season for strawberries.

As summer heat decreases, strawberry plants can shift their focus toward root development and preparing for colder conditions. For many June-bearing strawberries, flower buds for the following season are initiated during the shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall.

That means the condition of your plants going into winter matters.

A healthy strawberry bed should have:

• Healthy green foliage
• Good soil moisture
• Adequate spacing
• Good drainage
• Limited weed competition
• Healthy crowns
• Appropriate winter protection for the local climate

Fall is also a good time to inspect your strawberry plants for disease, pests, overcrowding, and poor drainage.

First: Know What Type of Strawberry You Have

Before changing your fall care routine, identify the type of strawberry you're growing.

The three common categories are:

June-Bearing Strawberries

June-bearing strawberries typically produce one concentrated crop during the main strawberry season.

They also produce runners that can be used to form a matted row.

Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing varieties can produce more than one crop during the growing season, depending on variety and growing conditions.

Grow It Depot currently lists several everbearing strawberry options, including Quinault.

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries are less dependent on day length for flowering and can produce fruit over a longer portion of the growing season when temperatures are suitable.

Different strawberry types have different management needs.

Don't use the same pruning, runner, or flower-removal strategy for every strawberry variety.

Should You Plant Strawberries in Fall?

This is where local climate matters.

Fall can be an appropriate planting season for strawberries in some regions, but it is not a universal recommendation.

Before planting new strawberries, check:

• USDA hardiness zone
• Local temperatures
• Expected first freeze
• Soil temperature
• Variety requirements
• Local extension recommendations
• How much time plants have to establish before severe cold

Grow It Depot's September gardening guidance also recommends planting according to your local climate rather than the calendar alone.

A Simple Rule

If your local climate and the variety's planting recommendations support fall planting, plant early enough to allow establishment before severe cold.

If fall planting is not appropriate in your area, use fall to prepare the bed for planting during the recommended spring window.

How to Prepare an Existing Strawberry Bed for Fall

If you already have strawberry plants, start with a simple inspection.

Step 1: Remove Dead and Damaged Material

Look through the strawberry bed and remove:

• Dead leaves
• Severely damaged foliage
• Rotten fruit
• Diseased plant material
• Excess weeds

Do not automatically remove every healthy leaf.

Healthy foliage helps the plant continue photosynthesis and build energy reserves.

Step 2: Check the Crowns

The crown is the central part of the strawberry plant between the roots and leaves.

It is one of the most important parts of the plant.

Check that crowns are:

• Firm
• Healthy-looking
• Not buried deeply
• Not exposed above the soil
• Free from obvious rot

The crown should generally sit at the appropriate soil level rather than being buried under a thick layer of soil.

Step 3: Check Soil Moisture

Strawberries have relatively shallow roots, so moisture management is important.

Fall weather can be unpredictable.

You may experience:

• Warm, dry days
• Heavy rainfall
• Cooler nights
• Rapid changes in soil moisture

Check the soil regularly instead of following a fixed watering schedule.

The goal is consistent moisture without waterlogged soil.

Step 4: Improve Drainage

Strawberries do not perform well when their roots remain in saturated soil.

Check the planting area after rainfall.

Look for:

• Standing water
• Slow drainage
• Compacted soil
• Low areas where water collects

If water regularly pools around the strawberry crowns, address the drainage problem before winter.

Step 5: Control Weeds

Fall weeds can compete with strawberry plants for:

• Water
• Nutrients
• Space
• Light

Weeds can also reduce airflow around the plants.

University of Maryland Extension notes that weeds can compete strongly with shallow-rooted strawberries and can contribute to pest and disease problems by reducing air circulation.

Pull or remove weeds carefully so you don't damage shallow strawberry roots.

Should You Remove Strawberry Runners in Fall?

It depends on the type of strawberry and how you're growing it.

June-Bearing Strawberries

Runners can be useful because June-bearing plants are often grown in a matted-row system.

Allow appropriate daughter plants to establish while removing runners that grow into unwanted areas.

Everbearing and Day-Neutral Strawberries

These are commonly managed more like individual plants, with runners removed when the goal is to focus the plant's resources on fruit production.

University of Maryland Extension recommends removing runners from day-neutral plants and maintaining them as individual plants.

Always follow the management recommendations for your specific variety and growing system.

How to Plant New Strawberry Plants

If fall planting is appropriate for your area, preparation is straightforward.

Step 1: Choose a Sunny Location

Strawberries generally perform best in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.

Look for:

• Good sunlight
• Well-drained soil
• Good airflow
• Easy access to water
• Enough room for the plants to spread

Avoid planting in a location where water consistently collects.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Before planting, remove weeds and large debris.

Loosen compacted soil and make sure the planting area drains well.

Strawberries generally prefer fertile, well-drained soil.

If you're unsure about your soil, a soil test can help you understand its pH and nutrient status before adding amendments.

Don't automatically add large amounts of fertilizer or amendments without knowing what your soil needs.

Step 3: Prepare Bare Root Strawberry Plants

Many strawberries are sold as bare root plants.

When your plants arrive:

1. Open the package carefully.
2. Inspect the roots.
3. Keep the roots moist.
4. Protect them from direct sun and drying wind.
5. Follow the supplier's planting instructions.
6. Plant as soon as practical.

Never allow bare strawberry roots to dry out.

Grow It Depot currently lists several strawberry varieties in bare-root form, including Quinault, Honeoye, Allstar, Seascape, and others.

Step 4: Soak the Roots if Recommended

Bare root strawberry plants may benefit from rehydration before planting.

Some extension recommendations suggest soaking strawberry roots in water for about an hour before planting.

However, follow the instructions supplied with your specific plant.

Avoid leaving roots submerged for unnecessarily long periods.

Step 5: Plant the Strawberry at the Correct Depth

This is one of the most important steps.

The crown should be at soil level.

Don't bury the crown deeply.

Don't leave most of the roots exposed.

A simple way to remember it:

Roots go below the soil. Leaves stay above the soil. Crown stays at the soil line.

Correct planting depth helps protect the crown while allowing the roots to establish properly.

Step 6: Spread the Roots

Bare root strawberry plants often have long roots.

Don't force them into a small hole.

Instead:

• Dig a hole wide enough for the roots
• Fan the roots downward and outward
• Avoid sharply bending or folding them
• Make sure the roots have good contact with the soil

If roots are extremely long, make the hole wider rather than creating a cramped root bundle.

Step 7: Water Immediately

Water each plant thoroughly after planting.

This helps settle soil around the roots and improves root-to-soil contact.

Colorado State University Extension recommends watering individual strawberry plants immediately after planting.

After planting, monitor the soil regularly.

Avoid both extremes:

Too little water = drying roots

Too much water = poorly aerated, waterlogged soil

Fall Strawberry Watering Guide

Newly planted strawberries need consistent moisture while establishing.

Established plants also need adequate moisture, particularly during dry fall weather.

Check the Soil

Before watering, check the soil around the root zone.

If it feels dry, water thoroughly.

If the soil is already wet from rain, additional water may not be necessary.

Avoid Late-Evening Overwatering

Where possible, water in a way that allows foliage to dry rather than remaining wet for long periods.

Good watering practices can help reduce conditions that favor some fungal diseases.

Should You Fertilize Strawberries in Fall?

Be careful with fall fertilization.

Strawberries have different nutrient requirements depending on variety, soil fertility, production system, and climate.

Instead of automatically adding fertilizer, consider:

• Soil test results
• Plant growth
• Variety
• Previous fertilizer applications
• Local recommendations

For June-bearing strawberries, nutrient management is often tied to the harvest and growing cycle. University of Maryland Extension recommends fertilizing June-bearing plants after harvest rather than using a one-size-fits-all fall schedule.

More fertilizer is not automatically better.

Mulching Strawberries for Fall and Winter

Mulch can be an important part of strawberry winter preparation in colder climates.

A suitable mulch can help:

• Reduce temperature fluctuations
• Protect crowns from severe cold
• Reduce moisture loss
• Suppress weeds
• Keep fruit cleaner during the growing season

Straw is traditionally used for strawberries.

However, the correct timing and depth depend on your climate.

Penn State Extension recommends straw mulch for winter protection, while Cornell Cooperative Extension describes applying fall mulch as temperatures approach freezing conditions.

Don't Mulch Too Early

Adding a thick layer while the weather is still warm and wet can create unwanted moisture and airflow problems.

In colder regions, wait until the appropriate late-fall conditions recommended for your area.

How Much Mulch Should You Use?

There is no single amount that applies to every climate.

A commonly recommended winter covering is several inches of clean straw, but the exact depth and timing should follow local recommendations.

The goal is to protect the plants without creating a permanently wet environment.

Important:

Do not bury the strawberry crowns under heavy soil or compacted mulch.

Growing Strawberries in Containers

Strawberries can also be grown in containers.

This can be useful for:

• Patios
• Balconies
• Small gardens
• Raised growing areas
• Urban gardens

Grow It Depot's current strawberry listings include varieties described as suitable for containers, raised beds, or hanging baskets.

When growing strawberries in containers, focus on:

• Container size
• Drainage
• Sunlight
• Growing medium
• Consistent moisture
• Winter protection

Choosing a Container for Fall Strawberries

Choose a container with good drainage and enough root space for the number of plants you're growing.

Avoid overcrowding.

A container that is too small may dry out quickly, while a poorly drained container can hold excess moisture around the roots.

Grow It Depot offers a range of pots and containers suitable for different growing setups.

Shop the Grow It Depot Pots & Containers collection when selecting a container for your strawberry plants.

Growing Medium for Container Strawberries

A good strawberry container mix should provide:

• Drainage
• Moisture retention
• Root aeration
• Good structure

Grow It Depot carries Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix, listed as a 70% coco and 30% perlite growing medium designed for aeration and drainage.

This type of medium can be useful for container growing, but always consider the specific requirements of the strawberry variety you're growing.

Preparing Strawberries for Cold Weather

If your region experiences freezing temperatures, fall is the time to prepare before severe cold arrives.

Your preparation checklist:

1. Remove dead plant material.
2. Control weeds.
3. Check soil moisture.
4. Check drainage.
5. Inspect crowns.
6. Manage runners according to variety.
7. Follow local fertilizer recommendations.
8. Apply winter mulch at the appropriate time.
9. Protect containers if necessary.
10. Continue monitoring the plants until winter dormancy.

What About Strawberry Plants in Containers During Winter?

Container-grown strawberries can be more exposed to temperature changes than plants growing in the ground.

The roots of container plants have less insulation from surrounding soil.

Depending on your climate, you may need to:

• Move containers to a sheltered location
• Group containers together
• Protect containers from severe freezing
• Use appropriate winter mulch
• Follow local overwintering recommendations

Don't move strawberries into a warm indoor room simply because temperatures are dropping.

Strawberries generally need an appropriate seasonal dormancy period in climates where they overwinter outdoors.

Choosing Strawberries for Your Fall Garden

Grow It Depot currently offers several strawberry types that can fit different growing goals.

Quinault Everbearing Strawberries

Quinault is currently listed as an everbearing strawberry and is offered in bare-root forms suitable for garden beds, raised beds, and containers. Current Grow It Depot listings describe full sun and well-drained soil requirements, with some listings specifying USDA Zones 4–9.

Honeoye Strawberries

Honeoye is currently listed by Grow It Depot as a June-bearing bare-root strawberry for garden beds, raised beds, or containers, with full sun and well-drained fertile soil requirements.

Seascape Strawberries

Seascape is currently listed as a day-neutral bare-root strawberry suitable for outdoor gardens and containers.

Allstar Strawberries

Allstar is currently listed as a June-bearing bare-root variety suitable for different garden settings, including containers.

Always check the current product listing and your local growing conditions before choosing a variety.

Strawberry Fall Care: Do & Don't

Do	Don't
Keep soil appropriately moist	Let roots dry completely
Check drainage	Leave plants in standing water
Remove weeds	Allow weeds to crowd the plants
Keep crowns at soil level	Bury the crowns deeply
Follow variety-specific care	Treat every strawberry variety the same
Mulch at the appropriate time	Mulch heavily while soil is warm and wet
Check plants before winter	Ignore signs of disease or pests
Protect container roots in cold climates	Assume containers have the same winter protection as ground beds
Follow local planting recommendations	Plant based only on the calendar

Common Strawberry Fall Mistakes

1. Planting Too Deep

A buried crown can cause serious problems.

Solution: Keep the crown at the correct soil level.

2. Letting Bare Roots Dry Out

Bare root plants are especially vulnerable to drying.

Solution: Keep roots moist and plant promptly.

3. Overwatering

Wet soil is not the same as healthy soil moisture.

Solution: Check the soil before watering and make sure the planting area drains well.

4. Ignoring Weeds

Strawberries have relatively shallow roots and can compete poorly with aggressive weeds.

Solution: Keep the planting area clean.

5. Applying Too Much Fertilizer

Extra fertilizer does not automatically mean more strawberries.

Solution: Use soil information and variety-specific recommendations.

6. Using the Same Runner Strategy for Every Variety

June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral strawberries are managed differently.

Solution: Identify your variety before removing runners.

7. Mulching at the Wrong Time

Applying heavy mulch too early can create an overly wet environment.

Solution: Follow local winter-mulching recommendations.

Quick Fall Strawberry Checklist

Before winter arrives, check each box:

☐ Identify your strawberry variety
☐ Remove dead and diseased material
☐ Pull weeds
☐ Check the crown
☐ Check soil moisture
☐ Improve drainage if necessary
☐ Manage runners according to variety
☐ Review fertilizer needs
☐ Check container drainage
☐ Prepare winter mulch
☐ Protect container-grown plants where needed
☐ Monitor plants until cold weather arrives

Quick Tips for Better Strawberry Plants

Tip 1: Start With the Crown

The crown is the center of the plant and needs to remain at the proper soil level.

Tip 2: Don't Follow the Calendar Blindly

September or fall does not mean the same thing in every climate.

Tip 3: Keep Roots Moist

This is especially important when planting bare-root strawberries.

Tip 4: Give Strawberries Sun

Choose a location with adequate direct sunlight.

Tip 5: Prioritize Drainage

Strawberries need moisture, but they also need oxygen around their roots.

Tip 6: Don't Overcrowd

Good spacing improves airflow and gives plants enough room to grow.

Tip 7: Mulch at the Right Time

Winter mulch can protect strawberries in cold climates when applied according to local recommendations.

Tip 8: Know Your Variety

June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral plants don't all require identical care.

Shop Strawberry Growing Supplies at Grow It Depot

Ready to prepare your strawberry garden for fall?

Grow It Depot offers strawberry plants along with containers and growing supplies for different growing setups.

You can explore current options for:

• Bare-root strawberry plants
• Everbearing strawberries
• June-bearing strawberries
• Day-neutral strawberries
• Pots and containers
• Growing media
• Garden supplies

For gardeners looking for an everbearing option, Grow It Depot currently lists Quinault Everbearing Strawberry Plants in several bare-root offerings.

Choose a variety that fits your climate, growing space, and planting schedule, then give your plants the foundation they need for the next growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant strawberries in the fall?

Fall planting can be appropriate in some climates, but it is not ideal everywhere. Check your local planting recommendations, variety requirements, and expected winter temperatures before planting.

Is fall a good time to prepare an existing strawberry bed?

Yes. Fall is an important time to inspect plants, control weeds, maintain soil moisture, check drainage, manage runners, and prepare for winter where necessary.

Should I cut strawberry plants back in fall?

Avoid automatically cutting all strawberry foliage. Healthy leaves can continue supporting the plant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged material and follow recommendations for your strawberry type and region.

Should I remove strawberry runners in fall?

It depends on the variety and growing system. June-bearing strawberries can use runners to form matted rows, while day-neutral and everbearing plants are often managed with fewer runners.

Should I fertilize strawberries in fall?

Not automatically. Fertilizer needs depend on the variety, soil, previous feeding, and local growing recommendations. A soil test can help guide nutrient decisions.

Do strawberries need mulch for winter?

In colder climates, winter mulch can help protect strawberry crowns from temperature extremes. Straw is commonly used. The timing and depth should follow local recommendations.

Can strawberries grow in containers?

Yes. Many strawberry varieties can be grown in suitable containers, raised beds, and hanging baskets. Grow It Depot currently lists several varieties as container-friendly.

How do I plant bare-root strawberries?

Keep the roots moist, soak them according to the planting instructions, spread the roots naturally, and position the crown at soil level. Water thoroughly after planting.

How much sunlight do strawberries need?

Strawberries generally perform best in full sun. Check the specific variety's growing requirements and your local conditions when choosing a planting location.

Why are my strawberry leaves turning brown in fall?

Some leaf decline can occur naturally as temperatures change, but brown leaves can also be associated with drought, excessive moisture, disease, pests, or environmental stress. Check the soil, roots, foliage, drainage, and growing conditions before deciding what action to take.

Final Thoughts

Fall is an important season for strawberry gardeners.

Instead of simply waiting for winter, use this time to inspect your plants, clean up the growing area, control weeds, check moisture and drainage, manage runners, and prepare for colder weather.

If you're planting new strawberries, start by checking whether fall planting is appropriate for your climate and variety. If you're working with bare-root plants, protect the roots from drying and pay close attention to planting depth.

Most importantly, remember that healthy strawberry plants start with healthy roots, good drainage, adequate sunlight, and consistent care.

Prepare your strawberry plants now, protect them through the colder months, and you'll be giving your garden a stronger foundation for the next strawberry season.