The tarp should remain in place at least 48 hours after fumigation. After it is removed, the land is ready for listing. If bed fumigation is used, plantings are made through the plastic cover after the fumigant has dissipated. So that no phytotoxic residues remain, strawberries should not be planted within 10 days after flat and within 3 weeks after bed fumigation. Nitrogen is the principal nutrient needed by strawberries in California.
Experimental results indicate that fertilizer placement is of paramount importance.
For summer planting, all nutrients, including part of the nitrogen, can be broadcast, then thoroughly incorporated into the soil or side-dressed in bands in the beds, below and to side of the planting slot. For most nutrients, other than nitrogen and boron, a pre-plant application should carry the crop if a sufficient amount is applied and the roots remain healthy. Direct or close root contact with the fertilizer will severely stunt or kill strawberry plants. To provide adequate calcium, lime or gypsum is broadcast and then triple disked into the soil several months before planting. Lime will help raise the soil pH if needed.