STRAWBERRY HAND-BOOK. 7 



quent ''lifting" of the plants. Early spring, as soon as 

 the soil can be prepared, is the favorite time for planting 

 in the north. This is also the best time for stiff soils, 

 such soils being most given to heaving out in the middle 

 states. 



South of the latitude of Washington, D. C, late fall and 

 winter planting is the best on very stiff soils likely to be 

 wet, on account of the danger of heaving out by freezes. 

 If the soil is at all light, every good day in the late fall and 

 winter can be used in preparing the land, and in planting. 

 The strawberry plant is at that time very easily set without 

 loss, and it is also out of the way of the spring work. How- 

 ever, planting may be done at any time, and even a little 

 after the plants begin to bloom, though the earlier it is 

 done the surer the stand. 



How to Plant. Run off the rows three feet apart. If 

 the area is limited, two and one-half feet will do if the plants 

 are to be grown in hills or stands. If matted rows are to 

 be grown, three to three and one-half feet will be required. 

 After the fertilizer has been applied in the furrow, and 

 mixed with the soil by running a cultivator or light plow 

 through it, list on this with one light furrow from each side. 

 Knock this list or light bed down with hoes or a light horse 

 drag. On wet lands, especially in the far south, it is found 

 necessary to have the beds much higher. Strawberries 

 planted on low beds do much better where there is likely 

 to be a drought, or even ordinarily dry weather, during the 

 growing or ripening season. 



