THE SMALL FFJL IT GARDEN IN MARCH AND APRIL. 87 



THE SMALL FRUIT GARDEN IN MARCH AND APRIL. 



R. A. WRIGHT, EXCELSIOR. 



When this topic was assigned me there seemed very Httle to be 

 said about it, but after more carefully considering the subject I 

 found that the early spring was the time to lay the foundation for a 

 good and generous supply of fruit for the table in summer, fall and 

 winter. Considerable thought is necessary for the careful planning 

 for and selecting plants and varieties of fruit that will prolong the 

 fruiting season, thereby supplying the table with fresh fruit for the 

 longest possible time. It is not a question of how many varieties we 

 have that fruit at the same time, but that each variety be selected 

 with reference to its being early, medium or late, thus keeping a 

 continual supply for weeks. 



We need to become acquainted with some good, reliable nursery- 

 men or fruit growers who can be depended upon to furnish good 

 plants, and the nearer home we can find them the better. 



Since strawberries fruit first and are acknowledged to be the 

 best berry, we will begin with them. Four varieties, that I might 

 mention here, are considered standards, each having its separate 

 fruiting season, one succeeding another according to the follow- 

 ing list : Johnson's Early, Splendid, Enhance and Parker Earle. 

 This collection will provide fresh strawberries for the table from 

 your own garden for about six weeks. 



For red raspberries we would mention the King and Miller; 

 blackcaps. Nonesuch and Nemaha. The Snyder and Ancient 

 Briton blackberries are very satisfactory. 



North Star currant and Downing gooseberry will do. 



Having made our selection of plants and ordered them deliv- 

 ered about April loth, we will turn our attention to the plat of 

 ground where we intend to plant them. Let this be wisely chosen 

 and conveniently near the house. The soil should be in good condi- 

 tion from previous fertilizing, and when dry enough should be 

 plowed about ten inches deep, well- harrowed and smoothed. The 

 plants should now be set as soon as possible. 



Strawberries should be planted in rows five feet apart, the plants 

 eighteen inches apart. The planting may be done with dibble or 

 spade. Raspberries should be set three and one-third by six feet; 

 blackcaps and blackberries four by seven feet ; currants and goose- 

 berries five by six feet. 



The easiest and best way to set out the plants, except the straw- 

 berry, is the following: After the ground has been well marked 

 and furrowed out with horse and plow, making a furrow seven 



