Commercial Handling of Strawberries 



There are few products that equal the strawberry for 

 profit. It is a sure crop and gives quick returns. The 

 yield is nearly always upwards of $200 an acre and it 

 may run to double this figure. 



The best time to set a strawberry bed is the early 

 spring, as soon as the land is in good condition and the 

 plants can be obtained. There is more moisture as a rule 

 at that time, and this, combined with the cool weather 

 of spring gives better growing conditions than fall plant- 

 ing. Plants may also be set in the fall, if extra attention 

 and care are given them. 



Strawberries require a rich soil, hence it is well to 

 thoroughly manure the land that is to be used for the 

 crop in the fall, and plow under from four to six inches 

 deep. In the spring, disc, drag and smooth thoroughly. 

 This gives a loose soil in which to set the plants, and 

 a firm sub-soil to hold the moisture, and yet open enough 

 to let the roots through. 



Any land that will grow a good crop of corn will grow 

 strawberries. Sod land should never be used, as it is 

 likely to contain grubs and cut-worms, which will eat 

 off the roots of newly set plants. 



Plants having a small crown and a large number of 

 white fibrous roots, are best for planting. It is not a 

 good plan to use plants that have borne fruit, as they 

 are weaker. The best plants are obtained from planta- 

 tions that have not been allowed to fruit. Their roots 

 are white, while the roots of the old plants are brown. 



Before planting, all dead leaves should be removed. 



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