200 ELEMENTARY AGRICULTUEE 



matted rows. They should be set out in the spring 

 as early as the ground can be worked, in rows tliree 

 and one-half feet apart, with the plants from one 

 to two feet apart in the row. Planting may be done 

 with a trowel or dibble. One must take care to 

 spread the roots as much as possible and to press 

 the soil firmly about them, holding the plant so the 

 bud will be just above the surface. As fast as run- 

 ners form, they should be removed, so that the 

 strength of the plant may be used in producing 

 fruit. (Fig. 100.) During the first season, straw- 

 berries are worked often. Weeds must be kept 

 down, and the surface soil should be loose and open. 

 Just before the ground freezes, 'a thorough cultiva- 

 tion should be given. After the ground is frozen, 

 the plants may be mulched to the depth of two inches 

 with straw. The second season should bring a good 

 crop. 



^ QUESTIONS 



(1) What are the advantages of deep plowing? (2) 

 What are some of the" good fertilizers for the garden? 

 (3) What garden tools will save time and improve the 

 crops? (4) Why does the garden need a mulch? (5) 

 Is mulch needed in a very wet season? (6) Why do 

 you hill up potatoes in a wet season and not in a dry 

 one? (7) Why should one pack the top of the ground 

 over garden seeds that are planted with only a slight 

 cover? (8) Is it better to water a garden often or sel- 

 dom and thoroughly? (9) As soon as the surface is dry 

 after watering or after a rain, why do we cultivate? 



