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In Iowa, the best time to plant strawberries is now. Early spring, late March to early May is when horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise it’s best to plant strawberries. Strawberry plants should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Established June-bearing plants should not be fertilized in spring, doing so increases disease problems and produces softer berries. Everbearing and day-neutral strawberries can be fertilized in early spring. They can also be fertilized again in early August. They advise to apply five pounds of fertilizer per 100 feet of row.