Growing Strawberries in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Strawberries are a beloved garden fruit, known for their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red color. Planting strawberry plants in autumn gives them time to establish strong roots before winter, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest in spring and summer. Here’s everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting strawberries in autumn.

Why Plant Strawberries in Autumn?

Autumn planting allows strawberries to develop a healthy root system in the cooler soil, minimizing the stress that can come with spring planting. By establishing roots in autumn, strawberry plants are better equipped for growth and fruiting in spring, often resulting in a larger, earlier harvest. This also means stronger plants that are more resilient to drought and disease.

Best Varieties of Strawberries for Autumn Planting

There are three main types of strawberries to choose from, each with different characteristics and harvest times:

June-Bearing: This type produces one large crop in early summer. Popular June-bearing varieties include Honeoye, Chandler, and Cambridge Favorite, which offer high yields and large, sweet berries.
Ever-Bearing: Ever-bearing strawberries produce two main crops—one in early summer and another smaller crop in early autumn. Varieties like Ozark Beauty and Everest are known for their consistent production.
Day-Neutral: These strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, with a steady but smaller yield. Varieties such as Albion and Seascape are good choices for continuous harvests.

Steps for Planting Strawberries in Autumn

Choose a Sunny, Well-Drained Location
Strawberries need full sun to produce their best fruit, so choose a spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as strawberries don’t tolerate waterlogged roots.
Prepare the Soil
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Work compost or aged manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients. Remove any weeds from the area, as strawberries don’t compete well with other plants.
Plant the Strawberries
Plant strawberries 12–18 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–24 inches apart. Make sure the crown (the part where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. Water well to help settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch and Water
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the plants from frost. Water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist throughout autumn.

Caring for Strawberry Plants Through Autumn and Winter

Water Consistently: Water newly planted strawberries deeply once a week during dry spells in autumn to support root development. In winter, natural rainfall is typically sufficient.
Fertilize Lightly: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early autumn to support root growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leaf growth over root establishment.
Protect from Frost: Strawberry plants are frost-tolerant, but mulch helps protect them from extreme cold. In areas with harsh winters, cover plants with additional straw or use row covers for added insulation.
Prune and Trim Runners: In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or damaged leaves. Trim off excess runners to encourage the plant to focus energy on producing fruit rather than spreading.

Harvesting Strawberries

Most strawberries are ready to harvest in late spring to early summer, depending on the variety. Ripe strawberries should be bright red, firm, and full of flavor.

Check for Ripeness
Gently tug on the berry—it should come off easily when ripe. For the best flavor, pick strawberries in the morning when they are cool and avoid overhandling to prevent bruising.
Storage Tips
Fresh strawberries are best eaten within a few days. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, strawberries can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and preserves. To freeze, wash, hull, and spread strawberries on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.