How to Grow Strawberries in January: Tips, Advice, and Best Varieties
Growing strawberries in January might sound unrealistic, but in the UK it’s actually an excellent time to prepare, plant under protection, and set plants up for a strong season ahead. While strawberries won’t actively grow outdoors in frozen soil, January is perfect for planting bare-root plants under cover, potting runners, and getting everything ready for earlier harvests and healthier crops.
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This guide explains what you can (and can’t) do with strawberries in January, how to grow them successfully using protection, which varieties perform best, and the key mistakes to avoid.
⭐ Recommended Strawberry Growing Essentials for January
January strawberry growing is all about protection, drainage, and preparation, not speed. These tools and supplies are especially useful at this time of year.
• Cold Frame, Polytunnel, or Unheated Greenhouse
Essential for planting bare-root strawberries in January. Protection keeps roots from freezing and allows slow establishment.
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• Strawberry Pots, Hanging Baskets, or Grow Bags
Ideal for starting plants early under cover and improving drainage during wet winter conditions.
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• Multi-Purpose or Fruit & Vegetable Compost
Provides a free-draining growing medium that prevents winter rot while supporting early root development.
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• Garden Fleece or Horticultural Fleece
Used during cold snaps to protect crowns and young roots from frost damage.
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Can You Really Grow Strawberries in January?
Yes — but not in the traditional sense.
In January, strawberries are:
- Establishing roots, not producing leaves
- Dormant or semi-dormant
- Preparing for spring growth
You won’t see rapid progress, but what you do now has a huge impact on:
- Plant strength
- Flowering time
- Fruit size
- Overall yield
January is about getting ahead, not rushing growth.
What Strawberry Plants Are Suitable for January Growing?
Bare-Root Strawberries (Best Option)
Bare-root plants are ideal for January because:
- They are dormant
- They establish well in cool conditions
- They’re less prone to rot than potted plants
- They produce strong crops when planted early
These should always be planted under cover in January.
Potted Strawberry Plants
Potted plants can be grown in January only if:
- Kept frost-free
- Well-drained
- Not actively growing
They’re more vulnerable to rot in cold, wet conditions, so bare-root plants are usually better.
Where to Grow Strawberries in January
Outdoor beds are usually unsuitable in January due to:
- Cold soil
- Excess moisture
- Risk of crown rot
Instead, use:
- Unheated greenhouses
- Polytunnels
- Cold frames
- Sheltered porches
- Garages with natural light
The goal is frost protection, not warmth.
How to Plant Strawberries in January (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Containers or Beds
Use pots, grow bags, or raised beds with:
- Excellent drainage
- Fresh compost
- No standing water
Avoid garden soil alone — it holds too much moisture in winter.
Step 2: Plant at the Correct Depth
This is critical.
- The crown (where leaves emerge) must sit at soil level
- Roots should be spread out, not bent
- Do not bury the crown
Incorrect depth is the most common cause of failure.
Step 3: Water Lightly
- Water once after planting
- Then only water if compost becomes dry
- Never allow plants to sit in wet compost
In January, overwatering kills more strawberries than frost.
Temperature Requirements in January
Strawberries tolerate cold well but not freezing roots.
- Ideal range: 2–8°C
- Short frosts are fine if crowns are protected
- Extended freezing damages roots in containers
Use fleece during cold snaps but remove it on mild days to prevent damp buildup.
Light Requirements
Even in January, strawberries need light.
- Place under cover with good daylight
- Avoid dark garages or sheds
- South-facing positions are ideal
They won’t grow fast, but light prevents weak, stretched growth later.
Should You Feed Strawberries in January?
No.
- Do not feed in January
- Feeding encourages soft growth vulnerable to frost
- Nutrients are unused while plants are dormant
Start feeding only when active growth begins in spring.
Common January Strawberry Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
Crown Rot
Caused by:
- Waterlogged compost
- Poor drainage
- Buried crowns
Fix:
- Improve drainage
- Reduce watering
- Replant at correct depth
Frost Damage
Caused by:
- Exposed containers
- Prolonged freezing
Fix:
- Move containers under cover
- Use fleece during cold spells
Mould and Mildew
Caused by:
- Poor airflow
- Constant damp
Fix:
- Ventilate on mild days
- Avoid overcrowding
- Keep foliage dry
Best Strawberry Varieties for Early Planting
Some varieties respond especially well to early establishment.
Reliable Early Croppers
- ‘Honeoye’
- ‘Christine’
- ‘Cambridge Favourite’
These varieties:
- Establish strongly
- Flower early
- Perform well under protection
Ever-Bearing / Perpetual Varieties
- ‘Albion’
- ‘Mara des Bois’
- ‘Evie 2’
Best for:
- Containers
- Polytunnels
- Long harvests once growth starts
Can You Grow Strawberries Outdoors in January?
Only in very mild winters and free-draining soil — and even then it’s risky.
Outdoor planting is better left until:
- Late February or March
- Soil begins to warm
- Drainage improves
January planting should always focus on protected environments.
What You Should NOT Do in January
❌ Plant into frozen ground
❌ Overwater
❌ Feed plants
❌ Force growth with heat
❌ Leave pots exposed to hard frost
January success comes from restraint.
How January Strawberry Care Affects Summer Harvests
Strawberries planted and cared for correctly in January often:
- Flower earlier
- Produce larger fruits
- Suffer fewer stress issues
- Crop more heavily
Strong roots now = better fruit later.
Quick January Strawberry Checklist
✔ Use bare-root plants
✔ Grow under cover
✔ Ensure excellent drainage
✔ Protect from frost
✔ Keep watering minimal
✔ No feeding
Follow this and you’re already ahead of most growers.
Final Thoughts
Growing strawberries in January isn’t about quick wins — it’s about laying foundations. By planting bare-root strawberries under protection, managing moisture carefully, and avoiding the urge to rush growth, you set your plants up for a longer, healthier, and more productive season.
Get it right in January, and your reward comes in spring and summer — with stronger plants, earlier flowers, and better-tasting strawberries.