The University of California recommends that mid to late August is generally the best time to plant strawberries in all locations. Day-neutral cultivars can be planted in the fall, February and March. Short day varieties can be planted in November. The Monterey Master Gardeners have presentation slides for Growing Strawberries in the Home Garden. Varieties that Master Gardeners have found to be good in Santa Clara County are Aptos, Chandler, Fern, Hecker, Pajaro, Quinalt, Seascape, and Sequoia.