Apply the organic matter in the fall. In the year previous to planting, destroy all perennial weeds. Take a soil test several months in advance. If nematodes are a likely problem, submit a soil sample for a nematode assay. If sting nematodes are present, do not plant strawberries in that area.
Strawberries are resistant to the Southern root-knot nematode.
Before planting, follow the recommendations of a soil test. Till the soil and smooth the bed. Always apply fertilizer to the plants when the foliage is dry and sweep the plants with a broom or leaf rake immediately following the application. Because of diseases, two very different production systems are used in South Carolina. In the matted row system, the plants are set out one spring and fruited the next.