I want to make a raised bed for strawberries in my yard. I'm in Zone 7, north Alabama. I've gardened for 15 years with veggies, but fruit is new to me.

Questions:

-Do I plant in fall or early spring?

-Are there any varieties that will give me strabwerries this coming season, or will I have to pinch runners back for a year no matter what?

-Do you prefer everbearing or June-bearing? (even though May is strawberry seasons here)

-Do the plants really have to be replaced every 3 years? Are there any longer lasting ones?

-What's your best bird protection?

Thank you in advance!