Planning an Everbearing Strawberry Campaign for Winter Planting

Everbearing strawberries are prized for their ability to fruit over a long season, rewarding growers with a steady stream of berries rather than one short burst. For growers in mild or controlled environments, winter strawberry planting can be an efficient way to prepare for early spring and summer markets. Starting with bare root strawberries during the dormant season allows plants to establish strong root systems before active growth begins, ensuring vigorous production when the weather warms.

Whether growing in greenhouses, pots, or open fields, the success of this approach depends on timing, soil preparation, and careful transplant management. With a thoughtful plan, growers can move smoothly from dormant crowns to an abundant harvest, using organic and sustainable practices that support plant health and long-term productivity.

Bare-Root Planting Schedule

Bare-root strawberries are dormant plants sold without soil around their roots. They are harvested in late fall or early winter, stored under cold conditions, and shipped to growers ready for planting. Because these plants are not actively growing, they transplant easily and quickly adapt to new environments when handled properly.

The ideal schedule for planting bare root strawberries varies by region. In areas with mild winters—such as California, the southern U.S., and coastal regions—planting typically begins between December and February. This allows crowns to settle and develop roots while temperatures are cool, leading to earlier spring flowering.

In colder regions, bare-root planting may begin slightly later, once the soil can be worked and the risk of deep freezes has passed. For growers using greenhouses or high tunnels, planting can occur earlier because environmental conditions are controlled.

Proper strawberry bare root care starts with hydration. Soak roots in water for 30 minutes before planting to rehydrate the tissues. When setting crowns, make sure the base of the crown is level with the soil surface—too deep and the plant may rot, too shallow and roots can dry out. Early attention to these details will establish the foundation for healthy growth.

Greenhouse and Pot Production

For growers aiming to produce early harvests or nursery stock, strawberry greenhouse growing provides excellent control over temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Greenhouses enable dormant bare-root crowns to wake gradually and grow under optimal conditions, resulting in vigorous young plants ready for transplant or direct fruiting.

A temperature range between 55°F and 75°F supports ideal strawberry plant growth. Maintaining even soil moisture and good airflow helps prevent fungal issues during this early stage. In smaller greenhouse setups, container or pot production is particularly effective for everbearing varieties, which continue producing fruit over several months once established.

Growing strawberry nursery plants in pots allows growers to manage plant density and stagger production. For example, an operation might pot a first batch of Albion or Seascape crowns in December, followed by a second round in January. This approach creates a series of harvest waves beginning in early spring and continuing into summer.

Pot production also provides flexibility—plants can be moved outdoors once weather permits or kept under cover for protected early harvests. For both home gardeners and commercial growers, this system bridges the gap between winter planting and spring market demand.

Organic Soil Mix

The foundation of organic strawberry production lies in soil quality. Whether planting in beds, raised containers, or greenhouse troughs, the soil or potting mix must balance aeration, drainage, and nutrient content.

A high-quality strawberry potting soil typically contains compost, coconut coir or peat moss, and a mineral component like perlite or pumice for structure. This combination ensures both moisture retention and proper airflow around the roots. Organic amendments such as worm castings or well-aged manure can boost microbial life and provide a steady nutrient supply.

Before planting, blend in slow-release organic fertilizers such as bone meal, kelp meal, or composted poultry manure to supply essential nutrients for early root and leaf development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers at this stage, as they promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flower formation.

In field systems, soil should be loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. Winter soil preparation may include incorporating compost and adjusting pH to between 6.0 and 6.5. Covering the soil with organic mulch or biodegradable film can also help retain moisture and suppress weeds while protecting crowns from cold stress.

Transplant Timing

Strawberry transplants need a transition period between dormancy and active growth. After planting, they spend several weeks establishing roots before pushing new leaves. The exact timing of transplanting depends on environmental conditions, but most growers find that plants set in late winter are ready for strong vegetative growth by early spring.

For greenhouse-grown transplants, maintain consistent light and moderate temperatures to encourage root expansion. Once new leaves appear, gradually increase exposure to natural sunlight. If plants are being hardened off for outdoor planting, reduce watering slightly and expose them to cooler daytime temperatures for several hours each day over a week-long period.

Transplanting into the garden or larger containers should occur when soil temperatures consistently reach 50°F or higher. The goal is to synchronize transplant readiness with favorable outdoor conditions, ensuring minimal shock and maximum survival rates.

By carefully managing transplant timing, growers can coordinate flowering and fruiting stages to align with desired market or household consumption windows—an essential part of strawberry crop management.

Winter Planting Regions

Winter planting strategies vary widely depending on local climate. In regions with freezing winters, strawberry seedlings are typically kept in greenhouses or cold frames until outdoor conditions are favorable. In contrast, milder climates allow for outdoor planting directly into prepared beds or high tunnels during the dormant season.

• West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington): Coastal areas benefit from mild, wet winters. Bare-root everbearing varieties like Albion, Monterey, and Seascape can be planted as early as December, leading to early spring production.
• South and Southwest: Regions such as Texas, Arizona, and parts of Florida enjoy ideal conditions for winter strawberry planting. Plants establish quickly and begin producing fruit by March or April.
• Midwest and Northeast: In colder regions, bare-root strawberries are usually potted and grown under protection through winter, then transplanted outdoors in April or May. Greenhouse-grown plants reach maturity sooner and can provide earlier harvests than field-grown crops.
• Mountain and High-Elevation Areas: These zones often experience strong sun and cold nights. Using tunnels or row covers allows for successful winter establishment while reducing freeze damage.

By adapting to local conditions, growers can time plant establishment to take full advantage of their regional growing season.

Early Market Readiness

One of the key benefits of strawberry greenhouse growing and winter planting is early market access. Plants that establish during the cooler months begin flowering as soon as daylight length and temperatures increase, leading to harvestable fruit weeks ahead of standard spring plantings.

For small farms and nurseries, this offers a valuable competitive edge. Early strawberries fetch premium prices at farmers’ markets, and pre-potted plants can be sold as strawberry transplants to home gardeners preparing for their own spring gardens.

Commercial growers can also time their crops to align with local festivals or early-season CSA programs. By maintaining a steady sequence of plantings—some in greenhouse pots, others in field beds—growers can supply fresh fruit consistently from late spring through early summer.

This type of production schedule not only improves profitability but also makes efficient use of labor and space. Combined with organic strawberry production methods, it creates a sustainable model for year-round engagement with customers and communities.

In Summary

Winter is an ideal time to prepare for an abundant strawberry season by starting with bare root strawberries. Planting during the dormant months allows roots to establish before spring growth begins, giving everbearing varieties a strong head start for continuous fruiting.

Using greenhouses or containers, enriched strawberry potting soil, and carefully timed transplants ensures healthy plants and early harvests. Growers in mild regions such as California can plant directly outdoors in winter, while those in colder climates can raise seedlings indoors for later transplant.

Varieties like Albion, Seascape, and Monterey are excellent choices for this system, combining strong yields with outstanding flavor. By integrating organic soil building, consistent watering, and sustainable management, growers can transform dormant bare-root crowns into thriving, fruit-laden plants—ready to meet early market demand and deliver the sweet rewards of the first strawberries of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions