STRAWBERRIES AS POT ERUIT 



CHAPTER XXVIII 



STRAWBERRIES AS POT FRUIT 



Selecting the Runners — Process of Forcing — Temperatures — 

 Feeding, etc.— Watering— Gathering the Fruit 



THE Strawberry has been forced successfully for many years, and most 

 people welcome this popular fruit whether in season or out. It responds 

 readily to the forcing process if a few necessary details are carried out and 

 varieties are selected that are suitable for the purpose. Indeed, finer fruit may 

 be had from pots than from open air culture. No birds or insects to mar the 

 berries, and perfect fruit of the largest size, with pleasing color and flavor, may 

 be grown. Strawberries under glass are not a very expensive luxury, taking 

 everything into account. They may be brought along with other crops, with 

 no interference whatever. They arc what is called a catch crop, which I will 

 explain later. 



There are few places where greenhouse gardening is earned on to any 

 extent, that do not grow some Strawberries. This crop is among the first of 

 the season, and may be had with little effort from the end of February to the 

 first of June by bringing in a batch every week or ten days. But, like all 

 fruit under glass, thy must receive proper care. Southern berries, which 

 appear in the market very early in the season, cannot compaie with the hot- 

 house fruit as to size and high quality. As a dessert fruit the Strawberry 

 is popular throughout this country, though it is best known to the general 

 public in its natural season or in its wild state. With our wonderfully varying 

 climates in the different States, the berry season is a long one; still, there will 

 be always room for the greenhouse fruit, particularly among the wealthy classes. 

 It may not always pay as a money-making proposition, but it more than pays 

 in a private establishment, for the owner will have here something that money 

 cannot purchase, and a basket of fine Strawberries is a most acceptable present 

 for a friend at any time. The Strawberry is a pot fruit par excellence in every 

 private establishment, if grown to the highest state of perfection. 



In years gone by it was thought that forced berries could not possibly be 

 brought up to the outdoor standard, but in recent years the greenhouse produc- 

 tion has increased rapidly and it now ranks as a very perfect fruit. To obtain 

 this result there must be no guesswork. Give the plants the proper treatment 

 and they will respond. One of the greatest lessons that each grower must 



