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When you receive your bare-root strawberry plants:

• Separate the bare root bundles.
• Remove any dried leaves that are attached.
• Soak the roots in water for about an hour before planting.

Strawberries thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7. Loamy soil works best, and they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas to prevent root rot. Before planting, loosen the soil, remove any weeds, and dig a hole slightly larger than the root clump.

Planting Methods by Region and Variety:

• Matted Rows (Fronteras, UF Sensation)
  Best for northern and eastern states or gardeners growing June-bearing varieties. Space plants 1.5–2 feet apart with 3–4 feet between rows. The “mother” plant sends out runners, forming a mat for mending the roots maximum yield.
• Hill Rows (Cabrillo, Portola, San Andreas)
  Ideal for warmer climates and everbearing (day-neutral) varieties. Space plants 1 foot apart with 3 feet between rows. Focus on the “mother” plant, as this method grows strawberries as annuals with fewer runners.
• Solid Beds (All Varieties)
   Perfect for small spaces, no matter the variety. Plant strawberries 10–14 inches apart with 1.5–2 feet between rows. The “mother” plants and runners will fill the gaps to create a dense, solid bed.

• Spacing: Place strawberry plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows, with at least 3 feet between rows to ensure good air circulation.
• Plant Depth: Place the plant in the hole so that the crown, which is the thicker, stem-like part of the plant, is at the soil line. The crown should not be covered by soil, as this can stunt growth. Additionally, make sure that the roots extend fully into the ground without any curling over or upward.
• Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting, being careful not to soak the crown.

• Gently fill the hole with soil, making sure to keep the roots spread out evenly and fully extend down into the soil. 
• Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.

Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially while they’re establishing. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves and crown to prevent fungal diseases.

Water the plants early in the day, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. In hot or dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. 

Avoid fertilizing with conventional products until the plants are established, which is about six weeks after transplanting. 

Apply a balanced fertilizer after planting, then switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium when the plants begin to flower and fruit. Follow the recommended amounts to avoid over-fertilizing.

Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch, like straw, pine needles, or bark, around your strawberry plants. This helps retain moisture, control weeds, and keep pests away from the leaves and fruit—but be sure to leave the crown uncovered.

We know it’s tempting to dive into fresh, juicy strawberries right away—but patience pays off. In the first year, pinch off the flowers (and runners) to help your plants build strong roots. This energy-saving step is key for a bigger, better harvest in the seasons to come.

For the best flavor and yield, here’s a quick guide to managing your strawberry beds:

• June-Bearing (Fronteras, UF Sensation)
  Pinch off most blooms early in the season. Plant in spring, harvest starting in late July, and mow plants to 3–4 inches at the end of August. Start a new bed in the third spring, harvesting fruit in the original bed before replacing it.
• Everbearing (Cabrillo, Portola, San Andreas)
  Pinch off early-season blooms but let later (beginning in early August) grow. Harvest in mid to late summer of the first year, and start a new bed the following spring. Keep harvesting from the original bed for two seasons, then replace it.

A little patience and planning now will set you up for seasons of sweet success. The longer you pinch off flowers in the first year of growth the better later harvests will be!  Trust us—it’s worth the wait!