How to Grow Strawberries on Plastic Sheets

Plant strawberries in early spring, when the soil warms and dries. Strawberries need time to establish before the heat of summer. Shoot for planting just before or after the last frost in your area, to give the strawberries plenty of time for growing.

Find a strawberry-planting site that gives you at least 15 to 20 square feet of growing space, full sunshine and quick drainage. Choose an elevated spot if you can, to give the plants the best possible drainage, sun and air exposure. Strawberries fail if they don't get enough sun or air.

Prepare the soil one week in advance of planting, to give it time to rest and settle. Dig into the top 10 to 12 inches of soil to loosen it, then mix in 5 to 6 inches of organic compost. This compost raises the soil level and nutrition, for better drainage and growing nutrients. Dig 6-24-24 fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil at a rate of 2 lb. per 100 square feet of space, to increase nutrition for rooting. Water the site for 30 minutes to settle the soil.

Spread your plastic mulch one week later, when you're ready to plant the site. Roll out 3- to 5-foot-wide sheets of plastic to cover the site. Cut any long sheets to fit. Secure the ends of the plastic mulch with landscape staples to keep it from blowing away.

Cut 5-inch slits in the mulch for strawberry planting, at 15 to 24 inches in the row. Space your rows at 36 to 48 inches. Spread the slits for easy planting, and reach through them to dig holes in the soil for the strawberry seedlings. Plant the seedlings in holes that are as deep and wide as their root balls, to keep their crowns at soil level. Strawberries fail with deep or shallow plantings.

Water the strawberry seedlings with 2 inches of water after planting, and every week thereafter. Water the seedlings at their bases, to help water get down to the roots.