The Bulletin. 9 



Of the several varieties of strawberries grown on a commercial scale 

 in the eastern part of the State during the past few years, the Lady 

 Thompson and Ivlondyke have been the most popular. Most growers 

 in this section seem to consider the Thompson the heaviest yielder, but 

 it does not seem to stand shipping so well as the Ivlondyke. There is 

 not so very much difference in the average yield of these two varieties, 

 and as a result the Ivlondyke, because of its good shipping qualities and 

 deep red color, is considered the most profitable variety by the majority 

 of the growers. A newer variety that has gained much prominence in 

 the Norfolk section, because of its superior shipping quality and pro- 

 ductiveness, is the Missionary. This variety is being planted by a 

 number of growers who are expecting to find in it a berry of even more 

 desirable qualities than either the Thompson or the Ivlondyke. 



Where growers do not plant on a large scale for shipment to northern 

 markets, there are other varieties of excellent quality that can be profit- 

 ably grown. The Excelsior and Haviland are two excellent varieties 

 for planting for local or near-by markets. On account of their rather 

 soft texture, they are not well suited for shipping long distances. Both 

 berries are of high quality, the Excelsior being very early and the 

 Haviland a mid-season fruit. There is usually a good demand on the 

 home market for a succession of strawberries from the earliest to the 

 latest varieties. Very often a profitable business can be developed from 

 a succession of this kind when the grower keeps in mind the demands 



of the home trade. 



PLANTING. 



Strawberry plants may be set successfully either in Spring or Eall. 

 If good plants are obtainable, early Spring is the most desirable time 

 to plant. At this season the soil is in good condition, cool and moist. 

 "When properly cared for and well cultivated, plants carefully set at 

 this time will make rapid growth and will produce a full crop of fruit 

 the following season. However, plants can be set with equal success in 

 the Fall, and where the weather is seasonable, this time is much pre- 

 ferred by many growers. 



To properly set plants, shorten the roots in to 4 or 5 inches and cut 

 off about half the leaf growth. With a trowel, spade, or dibble make a 

 hole in the ground sufficiently large to permit the roots being spread out 

 in the shape of a fan. Press the soil firmly about the plant, covering 

 all the roots and the lower part of the crown. The top of the crown 

 should be a little above the level of the ground. This allows the grow- 

 ing plant to develop without hindrance. Should the plants be set too 

 deep the crowns may rot ; if too shallow, or if the soil is not pressed 

 firmly about them, the roots may dry out. 



When plants are secured from a distance they should be ordered so 

 as to arrive at a time when the planting can be done immediately, pro- 

 vided, of course, that weather conditions are favorable. If the planting 

 must of necessity be delayed, open the package as soon as it arrives and 



