How to Grow Day-Neutral Strawberries

Locate a site with well-draining, sandy loam soil and full sunlight exposure. Prepare the selected planting spot in early spring, as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Hand pull or cultivate vegetation from the site. Using a shovel, loosen the soil 6 inches deep.

Test the soil pH with a testing kit. Depending on the result, add sulfur or lime to increase or decrease the current pH range so it falls between 6.0 and 6.4. Rake the soil to level it in preparation for planting.

Dig a hole for each day-neutral strawberry plant deep enough to bury the roots up to the crown. However, do not cover the crown. Space plants five to 10 inches apart in a row, and multiple rows three feet apart. Mulch the day-neutral plants immediately after planting to retain soil moisture and prevent weed infestations. Spread a 1- to 2-inch-thick layer of straw to prevent moisture loss.

Water the day-neutral plants with 1 inch every week, unless supplemented by rainfall. Using a soaker hose, provide each plant a slow stream of water at its base instead of irrigating from above, thereby reducing chances of fungal diseases.

Feed the plants 2 lbs. of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row every month from June to September the first year after planting. During the second and subsequent years, feed the plants the same amount of ammonium nitrate from May to September. Avoid direct contact of the fertilizer with the strawberry foliage, especially when they are wet.

Remove weeds growing around day-neutral strawberries as soon as they appear. The plants' constant fruiting cycle leaves no time for renovation. Pull out the weeds by hand or cultivate them carefully using a hoe, without damaging the roots of surrounding strawberry plants.