STRAWBERRIES.* 



0. M. TAYLOR. 

 CULTURE. 



Location and soil. — In the selection of a suitable location for 

 strawberries several important factors should be considered such as 

 climatic conditions, distance to market, kind of market, labor supply, 

 character and condition of soil and need of drainage. Strawberries 

 do well under widely different climates and soils. Most varieties, 

 however, prefer lighter, sandy loams rather than colder and more 

 compact clay soils. A well-drained loamy soil containing an abun- 

 dance of available plant food and humus is especially desirable. 

 A lighter soil with a southern exposure favors early crops. The 

 heavier clay loams and a northern exposure are preferable for the 

 late crops. If there is danger of spring frosts an elevation may be 

 safer than bottom lands. A chemical analysis of soil will not deter- 

 mine its value for the strawberry crop. 



Preparation of soil. — Weedy soils increase the expense of growing 

 the crop and decrease the yield. Hoed crops such as potatoes, 

 cabbage, beans or corn preceding strawberries will leave the land 

 freer from weeds; and the soil will be in better condition if manure 

 be applied heavily for the preceding crop. Seldom is land made too 

 rich for strawberries. A clover sod plowed under is of great value 

 but a grass sod should be avoided on account of danger from insects 

 destructive to the roots of strawberry plants. Deep plowing will 

 cause the plants to root more deeply and conserve more moisture. 

 It may be done in spring but preferably in the fall as there is usually 

 more time then, the decay of sod or fresh stable manure will begin 

 sooner, beneficial effects from the action of frost on clay soils will 

 be secured, insects may be destroyed, the soil made capable of 

 holding more moisture and the spring work may be started earlier. 

 In some cases it may be desirable to re-plow in the spring or the 

 ground may be worked down with disk and harrow. Thorough 

 cultivation should be given to make the soil fine and mellow before 

 setting the plants. 



Manure and fertilizers. — There is but little danger of too much 

 plant food in the soil. To secure maximum yields there must be 

 an abundance of readily available food. Well-rotted manure 

 thoroughly worked into the soil is one of the best fertilizers. Coarse 

 manure will give good results if turned under early enough to become 

 well decomposed in time to supply the needs of the plants. Such 

 material is valuable because of its humus which improves the physi- 

 cal condition of the soil and also its ability to withstand drought. 



"Reprint of Circular No. 31, November 15. 



[629] 



