Winter Care for Strawberry Plants in Zone 5

How do I care for my strawberries over the winter in a cold zone 5 garden?  

Strawberries set their blossom buds for next season's crop in late August.  Cold winter temperatures can damage their flower buds and even the plant.  Apply a weed free mulch of straw or marsh hay after the top ¹/₂ inch of soil is frozen.  This usually occurs after temperatures drop to 20 degrees or hover at or below freezing for a week.  Spread enough mulch so that it is 2 to 4 inches deep after settling.

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