SMALL FRUITS 



443 



in which the plants are grown. A mulch acts as a protection from cold, 

 prevents freezing and thawing and the consequent lifting of the plants 

 ("heaving out"); it retards growth in cold regions by shading the crowns 

 and maintaining a low soil temperature longer than in soil not mulched; 

 it acts as a conserver of moisture, discourages weed growth by smothering 

 the young seedling, and finally protects the fruit from contact with the soil. 



Materials for Mulch. — Whole or cut straw free from grains, strawy 

 manure from the horse stable, and pine straw from the forest are among 

 the more common mulching materials. In certain sections marsh hay, 

 either from fresh or salt water marshes, is a common and very satisfactory 

 mulching material. 



When to Apply the Mulch. — At the North where the soil is likely to 

 freeze and thaw several times in the course of the winter, it is the practice 



American Quart Boxes of Well-Graded Strawberries. 1 

 "Fancy" on the right, "No. 1" on the left. 



to put on the mulch as soon as the ground is sufficiently frozen to allow 

 driving upon it with a loaded cart or wagon. Where the freezing of the soil 

 is only superficial or only temporary, if at all, the mulch serves the purpose 

 of a protection from wind more than from frost, and in such sections the 

 mulch is put on as soon as active growth ceases, usually early in December 

 and is allowed to remain until after the crop is harvested. 



Harvesting and Shipping. — The time of gathering the fruit, as well 

 as the manner of handling, is governed by the use to which it is to be put. 

 If intended for a local market, much riper fruits can be handled than when 

 they are to be shipped long distances. 



The most progressive growers of strawberries for local markets not 

 only give particular attention to the ripeness of the fruit, but to assorting 



1 From Farmers' Bulletin 6G4, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 



