Strawberries are perennial plants that come in many different varieties. Honeoye is a June bearing cultivar, which means it produces one large crop in the spring to summer. This type of strawberry also is known as an early-season type-one of the first varieties to produce in season. Honeoye is considered an extremely productive early-season crop with large, bright red berries. The berries have a slightly acid flavor and are good for eating fresh and freezing. Honeoye is one of the most winter hardy varieties.
Choose a location that has full sun and does not allow water to pool after rain. Strawberry plants will live five years or more, so the location should be a permanent one. Do not plant where potatoes, raspberries, tomatoes or watermelon have been grown before. Prepare the site and soil the year before you plan to plant. Do your planting in the spring.
Obtain a soil test from your local extension center to determine which nutrients need to be incorporated into the soil. Remove the layer of grass and weed on top of the soil. Place nutrients such as compost, leaf mold or manure, and lime and fertilizer as needed on top of the soil. Till to a depth of eight inches.
Remove weeds throughout the summer and fall as they grow so the area is ready for planting in the spring. Begin planting as soon as the ground can be worked. Plant your strawberries immediately after purchasing them.
Dig a hole in the prepared soil that's deep enough for the roots to hang straight down. The crown of the plant should be just under the surface of the soil. Plant your Honeoye in a matted row system, with plants 24 to 30 inches apart in rows that are 36 inches apart. The plants will spread to fill in the rows and create a mat. Use your foot to tamp down the soil around the plants.
Water the plants thoroughly after planting and every other day for two weeks. Keep the soil moist but not soggy throughout the growing season. Because strawberries have shallow roots, more frequent, shorter watering times are best.
Spread a three-inch layer of shredded bark or clean straw mulch between the rows to keep weeds from growing. This also will help retain water and provide nutrients as the mulch breaks down.