Most plants are dug by nurseries in late fall or early spring while the plants are dormant, stored under refrigeration, and then shipped dormant during the correct season. Such plants, when handled properly, are as good as freshly dug plants.
Packages should be opened and the plants examined as soon as they arrive. If they smell sour and rot- ten, they should be replaced by the nursery. Healthy plants have an earthy smell; roots should be supple and white. It is a good idea to peel back the wrapping to let excess heat escape from the package. Do not let your plants dry out. If the plants are dry when they arrive, soak the roots in water for one or two hours and plant immediately, if possible. If planting is delayed more than one day, place the plants in cold storage or in a refrigerator (32° to 40° F) that is not being used to store fruits and vegetables, or “heel- in” the plants.
For cold storage, moisten the roots if they are dry, but be careful not to get them too wet, or the plants may mold and rot. Plants in plastic bags may be kept satisfactorily for a week in your home refrigerator. Avoid storing plants in refrigerators that also contain fresh fruits (especially apples and pears) because the fruit produces a gas (ethylene) as it ripens that can in- jure or kill plants. Do not allow plants to freeze.
To “heel-in” plants, select a location that is well drained, shaded, and protected from the wind. Dig a trench deep enough to permit covering the roots and long enough to place all of the plants side by side.
After positioning plants in the trench, firm the soil over the roots. Do not cover the crowns of strawberry plants. Water the plants thoroughly and keep them shaded until they are ready to plant. Do not leave the plants heeled-in any longer than absolutely necessary. Their roots will begin to grow, and transplanting them will destroy some of their new feeder roots.