The best time to plant strawberries in Georgia is in the fall, from mid- September to early November, with early October generally being the ideal time. This timing is recommended for south and middle Georgia, where the plants will establish through the winter and produce fruit the following spring. For planting, freshly dug or potted plants are suitable, and the soil should be well-prepared and workable, not wet. In addition, early spring planting can also work as soon as the soil can be worked, but fall planting is preferred to reduce disease risk and improve establishment. In Georgia's climate zones 7 and 8, which largely cover the state, strawberry plants can be planted from February through May if you plant potted strawberries, but fall planting is the most recommended approach. Using day-neutral or everbearing varieties is advised to get fruit production before the summer heat halts production. Summary:
- Best planting window: September 15 to November 1 (early October is best) for south and middle Georgia.
- Plant types: Freshly dug or potted plants.
- Soil condition: Dry enough to work, not wet.
- Variety recommendation: Chandler, Camarosa, or day-neutral/everbearing.
- Alternative planting: Early spring when soil is workable (February to May for potted in zones 7-8).
This timing and advice come from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and experienced growers in the region for optimal strawberry growth and harvest in Georgia.
