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The best times to plant strawberries in the UK are during spring, late summer, or early autumn. While these three windows are viable, the choice depends on the type of plant you have purchased—such as bare-root runners or potted plug plants—and whether you intend to grow them in the ground or in containers. Planting in August or September is particularly effective as it allows the plants to establish their root systems before the following year’s fruiting season.
Table of Contents
Planting windows by season
Timing your planting correctly ensures the strawberry plants have enough time to settle before extreme temperatures or the primary cropping period.
- Spring (March to May): This is a primary window for planting out strawberries. In February and March, gardeners often buy and pot up strawberry plugs or bare-rooted plants to prepare them for the ground.
- Late Summer and Early Autumn (August to October): Planting during this period is highly recommended. It gives the plants a window to establish themselves before winter. September and October are key months for planting out strawberries into beds or containers.
- Late Winter (February): For those seeking an earlier harvest, potted strawberry plants can be moved into an unheated greenhouse or cold frame in February.
Timing based on plant type
The form in which you buy your strawberries dictates when they must go into the soil. Different formats have different dormancy and growth requirements.
Bare-root runners
Runners are clumps of roots with minimal foliage. These are typically available in early spring or late summer/early autumn. Often sold without a pot, they can be economical but require precise planting depth to avoid rot.
Potted and plug plants
Young plants in pots or plug packs are generally available from late spring onwards. Plug plants are advantageous because they can be transplanted with minimal root disturbance. Some may require potting up and growing indoors before they are large enough for outdoor planting.
Cold-stored runners
These are specially prepared runners available from late spring to early summer. Unlike standard runners, cold-stored versions should be planted immediately upon purchase. Under good conditions, they can produce fruit approximately 60 days after planting.
Alpine strawberries from seed
Alpine strawberries can be sown indoors in either spring or autumn. Seeds require a temperature of approximately 18°C to germinate. Once they develop a strong root system, they can be planted in their final position, often fruiting in their first year.
Site selection and preparation
Regardless of when you plant, the environment will determine the success of the crop. Strawberries prefer fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil in a sheltered, full-sun position.
If you are planting in the ground, weed the site thoroughly. To improve the soil, dig in two bucketfuls of well-rotted organic matter, such as garden compost, per square metre. This should ideally be done a few weeks before planting to allow the soil to settle. For those using a no-dig method, mulch the surface before planting directly into the layer.
In areas with heavy clay soil, which drains poorly and warms up slowly in spring, raised beds are preferable. These can improve drainage, but still need a suitable outlet for excess water; a raised bed does not guarantee protection from crown rot.
Planting techniques and spacing
Correct depth is the most critical factor when planting strawberries. If the crown (the centre of the plant) is too deep, it will rot; if it is too shallow, the plant will dry out.
In the ground
Dig a hole large enough for the roots and soak the soil with water. For bare-root plants, trim roots to 10cm if necessary. Spread the roots in the hole and replace the soil so the base of the crown rests lightly on the surface. Space plants 35–40cm apart, with rows spaced 75cm apart.
In containers
Strawberries thrive in large pots, growing bags, or hanging baskets using peat-free multi-purpose compost. Plant with the crown level with the surface and space plants approximately 20cm apart. Containers are useful for avoiding soil-borne diseases and reducing damage from slugs, though they are more susceptible to vine weevils.
Managing the first flush of flowers
Depending on when you plant and the variety you choose, you may need to remove the first set of flowers to encourage the plant to focus energy on root establishment rather than fruit production.
| Plant Type & Timing | Action for First Flowers |
|---|---|
| Summer-fruiting (Autumn/Spring) | Remove only if growth is slow or plants look weak. |
| Perpetual (Spring) | Remove to aid better establishment. |
| Perpetual (Late Summer/Autumn) | Usually leave alone, unless growth is poor. |
| Cold-stored runners (Late Spring/Summer) | Leave flowers on for immediate crop. |
Post-planting care and protection
Once planted, new strawberries require regular watering while they establish. To prevent fungal issues like grey mould, water in the morning and avoid wetting the crown or the fruit.
Protect plants from late frosts, which can cause “strawberry black eye” (where flowers fail to set fruit). If a frost is forecast, cover the plants overnight with fleece, hessian, or an old bedsheet. As fruit develops, apply a mulch of wheat or barley straw to keep berries off the damp soil, preventing rot and keeping the fruit clean.
Useful products for this job
The links below open Amazon UK product searches. Check the exact item, seller, current price and compatibility before buying.
- Horticultural fleece: Used to protect strawberry flowers and early fruit from late frosts to prevent black eye. Ensure the fabric is breathable and suitable for overnight outdoor use. Search Amazon for Horticultural fleece.
- Biodegradable weed-suppressing membrane: Helps prevent weed growth and stops soil from splashing onto the fruit, reducing rot. Verify it is biodegradable if you prefer not to remove plastic from the soil later. Search Amazon for Biodegradable weed-suppressing membrane.
Related garden guides
- Best Garden Planters UK Online (2026): Styles, Materials & Where to Buy
- Peat-free compost: choosing the right mix for your plants
- More greenhouse & growing guides
Sources and further guidance
Guidance researched in September 2026. The feature image is an AI-generated illustration. Product guidance is based on published information, not hands-on testing.