How to Plant Day-Neutral Strawberries
Day-neutral strawberries can reach 6 inches tall and spread 12 inches. The day-neutral strawberry displays white flowers followed by small- to medium-sized red fruit. It flowers and fruits continuously from early summer to fall, regardless of day length. The strawberry plant grows well in full sun and well-drained soil that is within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Day-neutral strawberries are susceptible to gray mold, powdery mildew, Japanese beetles, spider mites and slugs. They grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4a to 10b.
Select a planting site where no strawberries, potatoes, or crops in the tomato family have been planted for several years. Collect soil samples from about six areas of the planting site. Test the soil samples with a home pH tester.
Spread 200 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet in a crisscross application pattern for soil with a pH lower than 4.9. Spread 100 pounds of iron sulfate per 1,000 square feet in a crisscross application pattern for soil with pH higher than 8.0. Till the amendments into the top 6 inches of soil.
Till 12.35 cubic yards of compost into the top 4 inches of soil per 1,000 square feet.
Plant bare-root strawberries on a cool, cloudy day as soon as the ground can be worked in spring.
Trim roots that are longer than 8 inches. Space plants 5 to 9 inches apart in single rows that are 42 inches apart, or space plants 10 to 18 inches apart in staggered double rows that are 8 inches apart. Space each set of staggered double rows 42 inches apart.
Dig holes large enough to accommodate the entire root system, avoiding covering the crowns or bending the roots. Set the plants so the soil is just below the crowns.
Water the roots deeply immediately after planting. Irrigate with 1 inch of water each week.
Beth Porter has been a writer since 2008, with strong experience in early childhood education, gardening, home living and crafts. Porter is presently attending college, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati.