104 MODERN STRAWBERRY GROWING 



of water are to be used in the forcing and 

 fruiting period, and it is important that the 

 strawberry plants do not have too much 

 moisture around the roots. 



Many growers advise the plunging of 

 these pots, almost to the rim, in some coarse 

 material, like coal ashes or spent tan bark, 

 in order that the earthworms will be pre- 

 vented from entering the pots. Other 

 growers replace the pots in the soil near the 

 parent plant, especially if water for irriga- 

 tion or sprinkling is handy. Otherwise 

 the pots are placed with convenience for 

 watering, as this is the main thing necessary 

 during the growing season. 



Sometimes, for convenience, or for the pur- 

 pose of protecting the plants during heavy 

 thunderstorms, the pots may be placed in 

 coldframes without the glass. In the fall, 

 about the first of October, it is time to con- 

 sider ripening off the plants. At this time 

 the plants will have attained their full growth 

 and the pots will be filled with their roots. 

 Less water should be given and a drying 

 out of the soil in the pots should result. 



There are two reasons for this drying off 

 the potted plants: 



