Early spring is the best time to plant strawberry plants if the soil is not too wet. Plant as early as the ground can be worked in March or early April (zones 6 & 7) so the plants can become established and produce runners before hot, dry weather comes. Fall planting is not recommended because plants can be injured by soil heaving (alternate freezing and thawing) during winter.
Strawberry plants have roots, a crown, and leaves. The crown is a short stem between the roots and leaves. When planting, make sure to cover the roots and only half of the crown with soil. Make a trench deep enough to set the roots vertically. Do not bend roots horizontally.
