6 STRAWBERRY HAND-BOOK. 



There is some dispute as to the relative merits of the 

 two classes, but it is generally admitted that the pistillate 

 varieties are the hardier and most suitable as a market 

 berry. When planting the two classes together, it must be 

 remembered to have the two varieties ripen at the same 

 time, and if possible, of the same general color and shape. 

 Unless they blossom practically together, the influence of 

 the staminate variety may be wholly lost. 



When to Plant. Plants may be set at any time in the 

 year, except winter in the north, or when the weather is 

 very hot, or the soil very dry. As hot and dry times are 

 likely to occur in summer, it is best not to plant at that time 

 unless potted plants are to be used, or the plants may be 

 moved with a considerable ball of earth adhering to them, 

 which is rarely practicable on a large scale. 



The safest time to set is when the sun is weak, for then 

 the soil is apt to be moist and cool say from September 

 i5th to April i5th. Another rule is never to transplant 

 after blooming has commenced ; and yet, very successful 

 settings are made with blooming plants, the bloom being 

 pinched off. In the far South, nearly all planting is done 

 in September, October and November, and a full crop of 

 berries harvested the following spring. 



In the north comparatively little planting is done in the 

 fall, yet it may be safely done at any time up to freezing 

 weather. Plants set in the north in the fall should always 

 be mulched, as described later on. This is to prevent the 

 "heaving" of the soil during hard freezes, and the conse- 



