Good air drainage allows the cold air to flow off thus reducing susceptibility to frost injury. Plants in low areas may be covered by water during winter thaws. Then, when the temperature drops after the thaw, the freezing water may kill the plants. The best growing conditions are full sun and sandy to gravely loam with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and a good supply of organic matter. Good drainage is essential for best growth.
Strawberry runners root better on light soils.
Everbearing varieties may give the best results on rich soil. Avoid sites infested with nutsedge, quackgrass or persistent problem weeds. Spray problem weeds with herbicides before planting the strawberries. If the strawberries follow sod there could be problems with white grubs or wireworms. Flower Bud Formation June-bearers form flower buds in the short days of late summer and fall.