Prepare the soil by clearing out weeds and debris from the area. Use a hoe or heavy-duty rake to loosen the soil.
Create rows of mounded soil based on the row length and number of rows desired. Space the rows 2 to 4 feet apart and 12 to 24 inches wide with 6- to 8-inch high mounds.
Plant the strawberry starters in the center of the mound, spacing the plants 6 to 18 inches apart. The new leaf bud in the center of each plant should sit evenly with the soil. Do not plant strawberries too deep.
Add a 1 to 2-inch layer of straw or mulch around the strawberry plants and around the rows to help protect them from slugs and weeds. This will also keep the strawberry fruits off the dirt and protect the plants from freezing in the winter.
Remove weeds as the plants grow and fill in the rows. Keep the space between rows clear and compacted, leaving the space open for walking between rows.
Remove shoots and unrooted runners that come up underground in the walkway and trim those that trail outside of the designated rows.