remaining N and K can be banded along the outside edge of the row. The application of black

ethylene plastic is commonly used and is important for cultural reasons, such as weed control,

reducing erosion, and leaching of nutrients (Hochmuth, 1988c).

 Field preparations such as bed shaping, fertilizing, and fumigation are gradually done in

one step, followed by the application of plastic in a separate operation. Generally, row bedding

ranges from two to four rows of strawberries per bed. When using two rows per bed, spacing

between plants is approximately 12 inches, however, as growers increase the number of rows

per bed, they will increase the spacing between plants to compensate for decreased row spacing

(Albregts and Howard, 1984).

 The use of overhead sprinklers is common practice and is required to establish

transplants. Overhead irrigation is used for several days after setting transplants to reduce heat

stress damage to the plants. Overhead irrigation is also important for cold protection. This

method allows the grower to apply water over the plant. The actual phase change from liquid

to ice releases heat that is absorbed by the plant for protection against cold temperatures

(Albregts and Howard, 1984).

 Strawberry plants can be classified as either dormant or non-dormant. Those plants that

have not been exposed to temperatures below 45F are non-dormant, meaning there has been

little accumulation of starch in the roots for vegetative development. Strawberry plants classified

as dormant have received a number of hours below 45F and have accumulated a sufficient

amount of starch in the roots to supply food for vegetative growth. Most growers purchase their

transplants from nurseries located in the northern regions of the U.S. or Canada. These plants

can accumulate the required amount of hours below 45*F in order to sustain itself once