Early spring is the best time to plant strawberries in Iowa. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, late March to early May is the best time to plant strawberries. Before putting plants in the ground, trim off the older leaves. Place the roots of the plants in water for an hour, then plant immediately. Strawberry plants do best in areas that receive full sun and have well-drained soil. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.