10 Strawberry-Growing 



When the country is rolling, partial protection is se- 

 cured by planting on the protected slopes; when level, 

 shelter belts of trees or bushes are necessary. Mulching 

 is fairly effective, temporarily, but does not give permanent 

 and continuous results like a shelter belt or windbreak. 

 On the northern prairies, the windbreak is preferably of 

 native trees, as the green ash, hack-berry, white elm and 

 box elder; but a number of introduced species are used 

 to advantage, especially the white willow, golden willow 

 and several evergreens. The windbreak should extend 

 along the south and west sides of the plantation. Some 

 plant one or more rows on the north side, also, so that 

 the snow will more readily stay within the area and 

 mulch the plants. Rows of raspberries, currants and 

 other bush-fruits may be planted eight to thirty feet 

 apart, with rows of strawberries between. The bush- 

 fruits cause snow to drift in and stay late, and also pro- 

 tect the strawberries from drying winds in summer. 

 Lath screens have been used, but are not practicable 

 outside of home gardens. 



SOILS 



"The ideal strawberry soil" has been described at 

 various times by various persons. Compiling these de- 

 scriptions, it is found to vary from almost pure sand to 

 heavy clay or muck. This leads to the conclusion that 

 there is no ideal soil for the strawberry, but that some 

 soils are more desirable than others in certain localities 

 and for certain purposes. Strawberries are grown com- 

 mercially on almost every type of soil, provided it is w^ell 

 drained and at least fairly fertile, whether the fertility 

 is natural or supplied. 



