A SELF-SUPPORTING HOME 



take all the earth occupied by the rootlets 

 of that individual plant. Carefully transfer 

 from the spoon into the hole, allowing it to 

 sink up to the first leaves. Pack the earth 

 around the root and stem; water copiously; 

 then draw dry earth up over the wet surface 

 to prevent the moisture from evaporating 

 or a crust forming. To promote root growth, 

 cut off half the length of the outer leaves 

 with a pair of sharp scissors. If possible, 

 provide some protection from the midday 

 sun until the plants are established. 



The straw, or whatever the strawberries 

 were covered with last fall, must now be 

 removed from the crowns of each plant; 

 or if they are in matted, continuous rows, 

 open right along, but keep the covering close 

 up to the roots at the sides. Leaving the 

 covering on the bed prevents weeds springing 

 or moisture escaping. Should there be late 

 frost, it also protects the roots; and lastly, the 

 fruit when gathered is free from sand or dirt, 

 so the flavor has not to be spoiled by washing. 



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