Decide how many to plant. You can expect to harvest about 1 quart of berries from each plant you set out plus its daughter plants if grown in a matted row system. Twenty-five to 50 plants will provide plenty of fresh berries for a family of four. For freezing berries, set out an additional 50 to 100 plants. Purchase well-adapted cultivars.
Many strawberry cultivars are suitable for growing under Missouri conditions.
Always purchase new plants rather than getting plants from neighbors or relatives. New plants are certified to be free of disease and should be free of viruses, whereas those obtained from a neighbor may harbor disease and insect pests. Buy your plants from a nursery with a good reputation. Consult your neighbors to see what their experience has been with various nurseries. If you are the first in your area to order strawberries, look at catalogs from a variety of nurseries.