Mulching Dayneutral strawberries perform best when mulched with straw immediately after planting. Mulched plants have cleaner fruit and suffer less drought stress. Weed Control Weed control is difficult with dayneutral cultivars because they are always fruiting and there is no good time for renovation. These cultivars are also more sensitive to herbicides than June bearing strawberry plants. Planting through black plastic aids in weed control and warms the soil early, but because Tristar and Tribute are sensitive to heat, black plastic can be harmful in the summer.
Black plastic can encourage a buildup of vole populations.
The best approach for home gardeners is to stay ahead of the weed problem with light, frequent hand pulling, straw mulching, and cultivation. For maximum sweetness and flavor pick fruit a day or two after full coloration. Slightly unripe berries can be used for making jam. Under favorable conditions, expect a total yield of about one quart of fruit per foot of matted row. Immediately remove berries that do not ripen because they harbor diseases and attract insects.