328 GRAPES, STRAWBERRIES, BUSH FRUITS 



the patch is plowed under immediately after harvesting 

 and a new plantation is set out each spring. Sometimes a 

 patch is allowed to bear for two seasons, but the produc- 

 tion is not so heavy the second year. 



In fertilizing a strawberry patch, it is a practice to manure 

 the field heavily the year before setting, growing some hoed 

 crop. If additional fertilizing is necessary, commercial 

 fertilizers are used at the time of planting. The following 

 spring, shortly after the growth starts, nitrate of soda is 

 applied at the rate of about 150 pounds per acre. This 

 should be broadcasted while the foliage is dry to prevent 

 burning. An ideal time to apply it is just before a rain. 

 If the plants need a stimulus later in the season just 

 before fruiting, a similar application should be given. 



Varieties. In selecting varieties of strawberries, it is 

 necessary to remember that some varieties are pistillate; 

 that is, they have no well-developed stamens and so are 

 unable to pollenize themselves. These varieties, if planted 

 alone, will seldom be fruitful. Pistillate varieties are often 

 called imperfect varieties, while those varieties having strong 

 stamens are called perfect or staminate varieties. In set- 

 ting strawberries, it is the practice to set at least one row 

 of a perfect sort to two rows of an imperfect sort. It is 

 necessary, of course, that the two varieties blossom at the 

 same time, so that the pollen of a perfect sort may be 

 available when the imperfect varieties are in blossom. 

 Perfect-flowering varieties, of course, may be planted 

 alone. 



Insects and Diseases. Strawberries are seldom troubled 

 seriously by insects and diseases. By care in the selection 

 of varieties, by rotation, and by good culture serious injury 

 may be avoided. Leaf spot and mildew are the two 



