Place the rows 36 to 48 inches apart and the plants 15 to 24 inches apart in each row. Place each plant into the ground, with the crown of the plant set on the surface of the soil. Firmly but gently pack the soil around the roots and water each plant. Strawberries require plenty of water to reach maximum growth and maximum berry size. Each plant will require a minimum of 1 to 1-and-1/2 inches of water weekly.