Strawberry Planting Time!

February and March in the Southeast (especially here in South Carolina, Zones 8a–8b) are perfect months for planting strawberries. The soil is cool, plants establish strong roots before heat arrives, and you set yourself up for a sweet late spring harvest.

What Is a Bare Root Strawberry?

A bare root strawberry is a dormant plant sold without soil. It looks like:

• A crown (thick center stem)

• Roots hanging freely

• No leaves (or very tiny ones)

They are dug from fields while dormant and sold bundled together.

What Is a Strawberry Plant (Potted/Plug)?

A potted strawberry plant (also called a plug) comes:

• Already growing in soil

• With leaves

• In a small container or cell pack

Key Differences

Bare Root	Potted Plant
Dormant	Actively growing
Less expensive	More expensive
Needs soaking before planting	Plant directly
Establishes quickly in cool weather	May experience transplant shock

For February planting in the Southeast, bare roots are ideal because they wake up naturally as soil warms.

Step-by-Step: Planting Bare Root Strawberries

Step 1: Unpack Immediately

• Open package right away.

• If not planting same day, store in refrigerator (not freezer).

• Keep roots slightly moist.

Step 2: Soak the Roots

• Soak roots in room temperature water for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• Do NOT soak longer than 2 hours.

This rehydrates them after shipping.

Step 3: Choose the Right Location

• Full sun (6–8+ hours)

• Well-drained soil

• Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.8)

• Avoid where tomatoes, peppers, or eggplant were recently planted.

For GROW Farm style beds, raised beds are excellent for drainage.

Step 4: Prepare the Soil

• Mix in compost.

• Add balanced organic fertilizer (like 5-5-5).

• Loosen soil 8–10 inches deep.

Step 5: Dig the Hole Properly

This is the most important step.

Make a hole deep enough to spread roots downward.

Form a small mound in the center.

Place plant so:

• Roots spread down like a fan.

• The crown sits exactly at soil level.

🚫 Too deep = plant rots🚫 Too shallow = roots dry out

Step 6: Space Correctly

• 12–18 inches apart in rows

• 2–3 feet between rows

Water immediately after planting.

Step 7: Mulch

Use:

• Pine straw

• Straw

• Shredded leaves

Mulch:

• Keeps berries clean

• Conserves moisture

• Protects roots from temperature swings

Maintenance for Established Plants (February–March)

If you already have strawberries growing:

1. Remove Old Leaves

Trim off:

• Brown leaves

• Damaged foliage

• Winter-killed growth

This reduces fungal disease.

2. Clean and Refresh Mulch

• Pull back thick winter mulch slightly.

• Keep mulch under plants but allow air flow.

3. Fertilize Lightly

Apply:

• Balanced organic fertilizer

• OR compost tea

Avoid heavy nitrogen — too much leaf growth reduces fruit.

4. Watch for Early Flowers

If plants are first-year:

• Pinch off early flowers for stronger roots.

If second-year:

• Let flowers develop.

Great Containers for Growing Strawberries

Strawberries grow beautifully in containers — perfect for backyard growers or small spaces.