334 SUCCESS WITH small I'KUits. 



post, bone-dust or other fertilizers that have staying powers, 

 spreading it along close to the rows and over the roots, and 

 v.'orking it into the soil lightly by cultivation. This gives 

 everything a vigorous start in the spring. 



5. If possible, take out before winter all perennial weeds, 

 — sorrel, white clover, etc., — but do not greatly disturb the 

 roots of strawberries, just on the approach of winter. 



6. In most localities and soils, raspberries, currants, 

 gooseberries, and blackberries do better if planted any time 

 after they drop their foliage in the fall. Such planting can 

 be continued even into the winter, on mild, still days, when 

 frost is neither in the air nor soil. Frozen earth should 

 never come in contact with roots. I plant strawberries, also, 

 all through the autumn, even into December ; and before the 

 ground freezes, hoe upon them one or two inches of soil, 

 raking it off as soon as freezing weather is over in the spring. 



7. The earlier plants are set out in spring, the better, if 

 the ground and weather are suitable. It is usually best to 

 wait till the danger of severe frost is over. Do not plant 

 when the ground is wet and sticky, or dry and lumpy, at 

 any season, if it can be helped. Do not plant in a high, 

 hot or cold wind. Make the m.ost of mild, still, and cloudy 

 days. If plants can be set before a storm or shower, much 

 is gained ; but this is not essential if roots are imbedded 

 their whole length in moist (not wet) earth, and the soil 

 made very firm around them. Plantings may be made in 

 very dry weather if the land is forked or plowed late in the 

 afternoon, and the plants set immediately in the fresh, 

 moist earth. Keep the roots from contact with unfer- 

 mented manure. 



8. In handling plants at any time, never let the /////<? 

 rootlets dry and shrivel. Keep them from sun, frost, and 

 wind. If the roots of plants received in boxes are frozen, 



