One more detail, I do not like the big strawberries that are sold in most stores. They are mostly white inside and have a very acidic taste.

Store-bought strawberries are the way they are because they are pumped as full of water as possible before shipping. They are sold by the pound, and water is heavy. Plus most shoppers seem to equate size with quality, so they are delivering what the market wants.

Do you want to grow commercial style -- in rows on plastic and replanting each year -- or in a more lazy "home" style in an established bed that you thin periodically?

Do you want an ever-bearing or June bearing variety?

When you say they haven't done well for you, what is the problem you are experiencing?

Also, what part of Alabama are you in?

I ordered the June-bearing "Chandler" from Petals from the Past last year, and was very pleased with the plant quality. They are a very nice tasting berry, sweet but tart.

Sunny raised beds with compost sounds like a good start. What was the compost made of? If it was heavily tree leaves and semi-finished (like most municipal compost), the first year can inhibit seed germination and plant growth.

I ordered 50 each of Chandler, Allstar, and Earliglow from Simmons Plant Farm. Their customer service is great and the price isn't too bad either. The plants are scheduled to arrive by February 20th and will be going in the ground soon there after.

Here is a link that might be useful: Simmons Plant Farm

Question, has anyone had any luck growing strawberries in those strawberry pots? Are any particular varities that do better than others? I was going to go to Home Depot and get some Miracle Grow potting soil to use in the pots.

I got some strawberry starts at Big Lots and thought I'd give them a try.