l8 STRAWBERRY HAND-BOOK. 



that the actual number of plants fruiting is greater. While 

 less fertilizer may be applied to the matted row system the 

 first year, the difference must be fully made up the follow- 

 ing year. A strawberry bed soon runs out, in fact it is 

 often claimed that one good fruiting year is all that may 

 be profitably worked. If the plants are properly fertilized 

 the beds should last three years, but they must be manured 

 each year, and quite as much attention paid to tillage as 

 during the first year of growth. To have fine, large berries 

 and plenty of them, large healthy plants are necessary and 

 these are obtained only by thorough fertilization and care- 

 ful tillage and runner pruning. 



Use of Mulch. The object of mulching is to keep the 

 fruit clean, and the soil cool and moist. It aids liberal 

 potash manuring in securing that clean, clear color and 

 gloss, which attract customers in the markets. Gritty 

 berries dull in appearance and otherwise undesirable bring 

 the poorest prices. 



Any material which lies close and is heavy enough to 

 stay on the plants will answer the purpose of mulching. 

 Pine needles are widely used in the south ; wheat and oats 

 straw, or salt-marsh hay are also excellent, but should be 

 weighted with a little earth. Care must be taken not to 

 use old hay full of weed seeds. 



The mulch should be scattered evenly very close around 

 the plants, and over the whole width of the rows if 

 practicable. It should be applied very early, but not 

 before the plants begin to grow unless it is desired to 



