460 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



is three and one-half feet. After marking we take a two-shovel one- 

 horse cultivator, turning one shovel back and using just one. With 

 this we run in the mark, getting a furrow deep enough to set plants 

 in. I never use a spade or dibble. On a dry day only a few fur- 

 rows should be made at a time. 



The plants are set from one to two feet apart in the rows, ac- 

 cording to how strong a plant-maker the variety is. Only first-class 

 plants should be used, such as are dug from a one-year-old patch. 

 For commercial purposes I think it is best to raise the plants at 

 home, as it is sometimes difficult to ship plants and receive them in 

 good condition. 



Strawberry plants can usually be set any time from April 25th 

 to May 15th or even later, but we get best results by planting as 

 early in the spring as the ground can be worked and put in good 

 condition. An early start is of great advantage, especially in a dry 

 season. 



The plants should be cultivated and hoed about once a week dur- 

 ing summer until about August ist. After that time but few weeds 

 will appear, and those that do can be hand-pulled. All blossoms 

 that appear the first year should be picked ofif, as it will give the 

 plants more strength to develop. We let the plants form a matted 

 row about two and one-half feet wide. Plant two rows of pistillate 

 and one of staminate, of varieties that blossom at the same time, to 

 insure pollination. 



In regard to the most profitable varieties, they differ somewhat 

 according to soil and locality. Among the pistillate varieties I have 

 found none to equal the Warfield, both as to yield, size and selling 

 qualities. For staminate we use the Lovett mostly. I have some of 

 the Splendid planted, but have not fruited them yet. I have fruited 

 the Brandywine two years, but they have not given good satisfac- 

 tion. As soon as the ground freezes hard enough in the fall to 

 carry a team the plants should be covered with clean straw, corn- 

 stalks or hay, three or four inches deep, to prevent ground from 

 freezing and thawing in winter and thereby heaving the plants. This 

 covering is left on the plants until they show signs of sprouting in 

 the spring. It should be left on as late as possible without injuring 

 the plants, as it tends to retard the blossoming period and may have 

 the efifect of saving the crop from late spring frosts. The covering 

 is then raked off the plants and left in the spaces between the rows. 

 A part of the covering is left on the plants, as they will readily grow 

 through part of it, and the berries will be cleaner. This is all that 

 is done until the crop is ready, except to pull any weeds that may 

 appear. 



As soon as the crop is gathered we go over the patch with a 

 mower, cutting everything. This is left on the patch and in a short 

 time new plants will appear. In this way we have grown two and 

 three good crops without any cultivation after first year. 



In regard to the profits derived from growing strawberries, they 

 will vary as any other crop according to season. For home use it is 

 not measured by dollars and cents, but by having a good supply of 

 home-grown berries for family use. For market the returns will 

 compare favorably with other crops grown. The year 1902 I kept 



