May, 190S] STRAWBERRIES FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE. 1<>9 



frozen, which will usually be the last half of November. The 

 material used should be free from weed seeds and heavy enough 

 to prevent its being moved by strong winds. Coarse marsh hay 

 and straw are among the best materials, while pine needles, 

 leaves of deciduous trees, corn stalks, strawy manure and boughs 

 of evergreen trees may be used with good results. Cover evenly 

 and lightly so that part of the foliage may be seen thru the 

 mulch. The finer the material, the thinner it should be ap- 

 plied. Over-mulching is as bad as not mulching at all. When 

 light material is used, it is advisable to apply brash or similar 

 material to prevent lifting by heavy winds. 



Summer mulching retards soil evaporation, keeps the 

 land free from weeds and provides a clean bed for the berries 

 to rest upon. The winter mulch, if not too coarse, may be used 

 for this purpose by raking a portion into the walks, leaving over 

 the row as much as the plants can grow thru. Some hand work 

 may later be necessary in helping the plants thru if the mulch is 

 heavy or very fine. 



Harvesting and Selling. 



To prevent loss from over-ripe fruit and secure uniform firm- 

 ness, strawberries should be picked every second day during 

 mid-season when weather will permit. Do not pick or handle 

 fruit when wet. In picking, be careful to retain hull or calyx 

 and avoid bruising. If all small decaying and inferior berries 

 are rejected by the pickers, it will be unnecessary to repack be- 

 fore shipping, otherwise they should be poured out into other 

 baskets and all undesirable berries removed. Each basket 

 should be well shaken to prevent settling during transit. The 

 top row should be leveled or faced and contain a fair sample of 

 the contents of the basket. Do not allow berries to stand in the 

 sun after gathering. 



When grown in large quantities a board shelter or tent should 

 be erected, where the fruit may be received and prepared for 

 shipment by the packer. Market as soon as possible after pick- 

 ing. 



