74 Growing Strawberry-P lants in Pots. 



The result proved so conclusively their utilit}', and was so entirely satis- 

 factory, that I adopted their use at once in setting plantations for fruit for 

 market, no less than in multiplying the rare sorts to be sent into other 

 States. 



Those conversant with greenhouse-culture will need little if any instruc- 

 tions ; while to the ordinary cultivator a few suggestions will probably be 

 necessary to make his first attempt a success. 



The best beds for propagating-purposes are those set the preceding 

 season. I find they make much stronger plants than larger hills from 

 which the runners have been cut. A border should be fitted up for this 

 special purpose, and be made so rich and fine that the pots may be filled 

 from between the rows ; and, if possible, should be in the vicinity of the 

 ground to be planted. 



The best time for potting is when the second or third plant on the run- 

 ner is beginning to root ; though it may be done successfully after they 

 have become well established in the ground. They should be loosened 

 carefully with a spade or fork ; the roots shortened with a sharp knife 

 to about three-fourths of an inch, inserted into the soil in the pot, and 

 pressed down. 



Some care is needful not to injure the runner, as the new plant is de- 

 pendent upon that for nutriment until it forms new roots of its own : and 

 it is advisable not to pot more than twenty-five or thirty of the strongest 

 plants to each hill, in order to secure the utmost vigor ; the rest to be 

 removed. 



Vrhen a hundred or so are potted, they should be wet down tlioroughh', 

 adding one quart of the leachings of the manure-tank to each pail of 

 water; and, if the weather is dry, they will need water once a day until 

 ready to plant. 



In about ten days, according to the season and weather, or as soon as 

 the roots have penetrated to the sides and bottom of the pots, they may be 

 turned out, and the pots refilled. 



It will take something over twenty-seven hundred pots filled and turned 

 four times to set an acre, at one foot in the row, rows four feet apart. 



My experience has, however, demonstrated to my own satisfaction, that 

 there are decided advantages in putting three plants in a hill, — the hills 



