FERTILIZING STRAWBERRIES 



For the purpose of stimulating the growth of the plants 

 and increasing the number and size of the berries, the use of 

 nitrate of soda as a top dressing is often advisable. The 

 application should be made at the rate of 100 to 150 pounds 

 per acre and put on previous to blooming time. Scatter 

 the fertilizer lightly along the sides of the row away from 

 the leaves to prevent burning and cultivate in lightly. The 

 above amount can be made in two or three separate applica- 

 tions to advantage. The excessive use of nitrate of soda 

 may cause the berries to lose in firmness and quality if 

 applied just previous or during the fruiting period. 



MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR 



As soon as the first year's crop has been harvested, 

 the plants are again mowed down. All runners which tend 

 to spread out in the row are removed no matter what 

 method of setting has been followed. Cultivate vigorously 

 and frequently throughout the remainder of the growing 

 season. Keep the soil free from weeds and cultivate in a 

 good application of fertilizer before the crop goes into 

 winter quarters and is mulched for the second season. The 

 second year management should be quite similar to that of 

 the first year so far as the spring handling of the crop is 

 concerned. Growers producing strawberries on a commercial 

 scale or in the home garden, should arrange during the first 

 year of bearing to select vigorous and hardy plants for setting 

 out another planting so that a proper succession of fruiting 

 beds may be had from year to year. 



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