I am no expert, but I would say the sooner the better. Will be starting another bed myself, if I can ever get into the garden. Right now I sink to my ankles just picking the berries have. However, they are so worth it. Nothing beats fresh strawberries out of the garden.

i don't think i started planting my strawberries until July last year. I wanted to get them on sale. I got a few berries last year and the bed is doing fine this year. Already picked several handfuls.

So, yeah sooner is better but you're not "too late" by any means.

I'm planning to put in a strawberry bed between the two concrete ribbons that form the driveway between a tall fence and the house. Should I make two rows lengthwise close to the concrete ribbon on each side, or plant short rows going across? I think I heard once that you can plant strawberries in fall for a bed that will be established in spring and have a harvest in summer. I'm planning to order plants from a WI grower. Should I do it now in August? Any soil prep? I live across the street from Lake Michigan in Racine and have nice black, but very sandy soil. Any thoughts on June bearing, ever bearing, or specific plant variety? I have a very small city lot and need to use every available space. Thank you!