Answer to Question 1Seven points to consider when selecting strawberry plants include:
Picking a variety that produces firm berries if shipping to market.
Choosing large, softer-textured varieties that have a bright red color, firm flesh, and a
tart flavor, if freezing
Picking plants that ripen when the best market prices are available.
Using plants that bloom late in the season, if frost protection is unavailable.
Choosing varieties that are well known and will yield enough volume to provide
truckload lots and ensures a better price for the fruit, if planting for the wholesale
market.
Using disease-resistant varieties wherever possible.
Picking three or more varieties that ripen at different times are planted to extend the
picking season.
Answer to Question 2The five planting systems that are commonly used for strawberries are the hill system,
spaced matted-row system, matted-row system, raised beds (four rows, double rows, or
single row), and single-row planting. The hill system allows for a larger number of plants
per acre. The spaced matted-row system allows for almost as many plants as the hill
system and allows some runner to grow. The matted-row system often causes plant
crowding and smaller berries. The raised bed systems allow for the most plants per acre
to be planted, and allow for plants to be replaced throughout the year.