Growing Strawbcny-P la7its in Pots. 7Z 



GROWING STRAWBERRY-PLANTS IN POTS. 



The practice of using small pots in which to root new and valuable 

 varieties of strawberries, so as to secure certainty of success in their trans- 

 portation long distances, and that in the growing-season, is not entirely 

 new, and is generally understood by the more intelligent growers ; though 

 but few, I apprehend, fully realize the value of this method, by which 

 plants may be sent any distance requiring not over two weeks' time, and 

 still be in a flourishing condition. 



There is a very general impression, however, as I find from the last few 

 months' experience, that pot-grown plants are connected with hothouse- 

 culture ; as I have had parties write me that they would prefer plants 

 grown in the open air, — as though, forsooth, those grown in pots were not. 



It is partly to correct this error, but more particularly to call the atten- 

 tion of cultivators to the manifest advantages of this manner of propaga- 

 tion, — not alone of rare sorts, of which a few hundred only are to be 

 grown, but in setting large plantations for market, — that I am induced 

 to write. 



It is conceded, I believe, by the most experienced growers, that if straw- 

 berries can be successfully planted out in July or August, so as not to 

 materially check their growth, they are more certain to give satisfaction 

 than if set at any other time. 



It is one of the greatest drawbacks in raising this fruit, that the land de- 

 voted to it must have one season's cultivation with but little if any return. 

 And if it can be shown that a plat of ground may be stocked with straw- 

 berries in August, by the use of pots, in so perfect a manner that the first 

 crop will be as good as the second is in the ordinary way, it may be some 

 inducement to the extensive planter, no less than the amateur-gardener, to 

 give this method a trial. 



I first commenced the use of pots in my experimental grounds ; and was 

 led to it from the desire to give to all the varieties on trial, — new seed- 

 lings of my own, — and all the more popular sorts, new and old, exactly 

 the same conditions, to the end of determining not alone their relative 

 good qualities, but the absolute value of each. 



