I ordered bare root strawberry plants, that arrived about 3 weeks ago, w/o instructions. I am quite green when it comes to strawberries, so 2 questions:

1) I was planning to plant them this week, so was reading up, and see I did much wrong, already... should have planted in April or at least should have refrigerated the plants. I didn't. So, at this point, should I give it a whirl, soak them, and plant them anyway, hoping for the best while expecting little? I planned to clip the buds anyway, for a better harvest next year. Or, should I chuck 'em, and try again in the fall?

2) I am planting in plastic bucket containers with good drainage. What medium should I use? Good screened mix topsoil with some sand and peat moss? Something else?

I know to dump the soil I used for tomatoes and peppers last year.

thanks for all positive input.