We are in the frost protection season for Michigan strawberries and blueberries. Plant tissue can be protected from freezing by sprinkling water. Heat is released as water on the plant freezes. This heat protects the tissues from freezing. Some frost protection can also be achieved by manipulating the soil surface.
Strawberry flowers become progressively more susceptible to freezing as they develop.
Sprinklers can protect flowers down to 20 F with no wind. Use a nozzle size and spacing that delivers 0.1 inches of water per hour. Larger nozzles delivering more water may be needed if there is a wind. For example, a rate of 0.1 inches per hour may protect flowers to 20 F with no wind, but up to 0.6 inches per hour may be needed at the same temperature with a 5-10 mph wind. Test the irrigation system before it is needed.