COMMERCIAL HANDLING OF STRAWBERRIES 199 



Lateness is still further emphasized in the selection of 

 late varieties, as Atlantic, Parker Earle and Gandy. The 

 season opens about June 20 and continues for three 

 weeks. 



The question is often asked, What does it cost to grow 

 an acre of strawberries ? Growers in the Oswego region 

 have given figures of actual cost as follows: Rent of 

 land two years, $11 ; plowing and fitting, $6; plants, $15 ; 

 setting plants, $4; cultivation, $16; straw for winter and 

 fruiting mulch, $15; labor, hoeing, pulling weeds, etc., 

 $10. Total cost, %yy. 



Many growers raise berries at much less cost, and a 

 few exceed this sum, especially when located near a large 

 town, where rents are high ; but it would be safe for one 

 about to engage in strawberry growing to figure close 

 to this total, aside from the cost of fertilizer. 



