Strawberries can be grown in a wide range of soils, from light sand to heavy clay. However, waterlogging will cause the fruits to become diseased and the plant to rot. The ideal soil is well-drained and rich in humus. They prefer to be planted in full sun, out of the wind.
Strawberry plants can be planted outdoors from late June until September. If planted later, the flowers should be removed in the first year so the energy is used to develop a healthy plant in year two.
Prepare the soil prior to planting by digging over the soil, removing any perennial weeds by hand and adding manure to the ground. Place the strawberry plants every 35cm (13 in) within the row, with the rows being 75cm (30 in) apart, and plant with the crown at soil level. Water in well. To prevent slugs, put down pellets or place grit or broken egg shells under each plant.
Strawberry plants can produce fruit for five or six years. However, after the first two years the yields will be reduced dramatically and a build-up of pests and diseases can occur. Strawberry beds are usually kept for two or three years before they're cleared and planted on new ground.

Mulching plants
Beds and borders can quickly dry out or be taken over by weeds, so use a layer of mulch across the soil surface to prevent this. Many different materials can be used to cover the soil’s surface, including bark chippings, leaf mould, well-rotted farmyard manure or crushed shells.
Mulching has many benefits. It can help to provide nutrients to plants, locks in moisture, forms a barrier against weeds and can help to insulate the roots of vulnerable plants from winter cold. It can also be used for decorating the tops of pots. In the autumn, spread a ring of mulch around newly planted trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials.
The best time to mulch entire beds or borders is in late-winter or early spring. This will trap in moisture from wet weather and ensure beds don’t dry out quickly in the heat of summer.
Before mulching make sure the site is clear of weeds and the soil is moist. Water if necessary as it’s difficult to wet dry soil through a layer of mulch. Fill up a wheelbarrow with your chosen mulch and spread a 5cm (2in) layer around plants or across the soil with a spade, leaving a little gap around the stems of plants. Rake to a level finish.

When digging, many gardeners prefer to simply lift a spade of soil, invert it and drop it back in its original position. This is known as simple digging and is suitable for cleaning the soil surface of any debris and non-persistent weeds. This method is often the best option for working with irregularly-shaped beds or around existing plants.
If you suffer from a bad back you may prefer this method over other digging techniques. It is useful for vegetable plots which need organic matter added. Your soil does need to be weed-free and level so this will involve some clearance work. Then, in late autumn, spread manure or compost over the surface of the bed and worms will do the work of incorporating it by taking it down into the soil. Further mulch can be applied during the growing season. Repeating this process annually will keep your soil fertile.

Safety
When painting, or using any material that generates toxic fumes or dust, keep the room well ventilated. Never smoke while painting or standing close to a freshly painted area.
Always use the correct tools for the job. It is worth investing in high quality equipment as this will be safer and will probably do the job quicker.
Store tools in a safe place, out of the way of children and pets. Keep them in a box or a rack.
When using knives, always cut away from you. Use a baton as a guide and run a sharp knife along the edge of it. Always store knives securely.
When fixing or checking electrical appliances or connections, always switch off the power and remove the fuse or circuit breaker (MCB). If you're fixing an electrical appliance, switch off the appliance at the socket and pull out the plug. Wear rubber-soled shoes when working on electrics.
Always keep a chemical fire extinguisher in the house. Never use water to put out a fire in an electrical appliance. Gas and electrical work is best left to a registered professional.