There are three major classes of strawberries: june-bearers, everbearers, and day-neutrals.

The principle difference between these types is the daylength conditions that stimulate flower bud formation. June-bearers initiate their flower buds in the fall when days are relatively short and bear the following spring. Everbearers initiate flowers and fruits under the long days of summer. Day-neutrals can initiate flower buds under any day length. In Michigan, everbearers and day-neutral plants appear to have similar fruiting habits in the field, although the day-neutrals are usually more reliable producers. Growing varieties that ripen at different times can provide a longer picking season. Fresh strawberries are available in southern Michigan beginning in early June and the harvest moves northward, ending in the UP in late July.

Strawberries prefer a well-drained soil, high in organic matter. They need full sun for the highest yields, at least 6 hours per day. Do not plant strawberries where peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes have been grown. These plants could harbor verticillium wilt, a serious strawberry disease. Strawberries need about one inch of water per week during the growing season.