The strawberry is one of the first fruits to blossom. As the blossoms and fruit are small they can easily be damaged by frost, so they must be planted in a frost free position. Plant them in a warm north easterly position.
Strawberries will not grow in waterlogged clay soils, so it is important that the soil is friable and well drained. To help break up heavy soil, mix in some Gypsum Clay Breaker and compost when you are first preparing the garden bed. The soil then needs to have a good work over with the addition of well-rotted Cow Manure and compost. Raise the soil in long mounds so that the strawberry plant's root system is at least 4 to 6 inches above the natural ground level.
Never plant in ground where Tomatoes or Potatoes were previously grown, because of the susceptibility of strawberries to Verticillium Wilt Disease, which is often carried over in the soil in which these crops were grown.
Water is the most important factor in growing large, juicy, sweet tasting strawberries.
Place a mulch of Pea Straw around the base of the strawberry plants to help keep the moisture in the ground, control the weeds and keep the fruit from laying directly on the soil.

I have been sucessfully growing Strawberry plants in "SELF WATERING" Hanging Baskets for a number of years. The most important point to remember is to empty the water out of the bottom storage area every month and leave dry for a couple of days before refilling. I placed the hanging baskets on the edge of the verandah where they received all the afternoon sun. Growing Strawberries under these type of conditions produced large, delicious juicy, fruit that look tantalizing to the taste buds. The best part was that I could pick fresh, juicy Strawberries in the morning to eat on the way to work.
The "SELF WATERING" Hanging Basket ensures that the plants are supplied with the correct amount of water all the year round.
These Hanging Baskets can be connected to an automatic or manual drip watering system.

STRAWBERRY VARIETIES

For those people who wish to start growing strawberries for the first time I suggest that you try these varieties which are my favourites. If you don't have the position or ground space, try what I have achieved, grow them in Decor self-watering baskets. Hanging them in baskets above the ground level helps to control fungus and some of the troublesome insects.
I have noticed that when the baskets move with the breeze most birds tend to be scared off from eating the fruit. Always use a premium potting mix.

RED GAUNTLET This variety produces a large crop which extends over a long period of time. The berries are glossy light red.

SWEETEST Has been bred for an extremely sweet flavour. This delicious strawberry produces medium size fruit early in the season.
When growing in a 25cm pot or hanging basket use two or three plants.

SWEETHEART This is a seed growing variety, prolific bearer with small, sweet fruit. Ideal for desserts, snacks and garnishes.
Maturity in 16 - 20 weeks.

TIOGA The berries are attractive and firm and with good colour. They fruit in the Spring over a couple of months.

TORREY The plants are strong upright growers. This variety yields during the spring and early summer. The fruit is light in colour, firm and attractive.