446 MANUAL OF GARDENING 



varieties of strawberries will grow on certain soils better than other 

 varieties. What these varieties are can be determined only by an 

 actual test, but it is a safe rule to choose such varieties as prove good 

 in many localities. 



As to the methods of culture, so much depends on the size of the 

 plot, the purpose for which the fruit is wanted, and the extent of care 

 one is willing to give, that no set rule can be given for a garden in which 

 but few plants are grown and extra care can be given. The grower must 

 always be sure that his varieties will " fertilize "; that is, that he has 

 sufficient pollen-bearing kinds to insure a crop. 



With the highest culture, good results can be obtained from the 

 hill system of growing strawberries. For this the plants may be set 

 in rows 3 feet apart and 1 foot in the row, or if it be worked 

 both ways, they may be from 2 to 2J feet each way. In the small 

 garden, where a horse cannot be used, the plants are frequently 

 set 1 foot each way, arranging them in beds 

 of three to five rows, with walks 2 feet wide 

 between them. As fast as runners form, they 

 should be removed, so that the entire vigor of 

 the plant will be exerted in strengthening the 

 crown. When extra fine specimen berries are 

 288 Strawberry plant desired, the plant may be held above the ground 

 supported by a wire by a wire frame, as shown in Fig. 288. 

 ''^ Or strawberries may be grown by the narrow 



matted-row system, in which the runners, before rooting, should be 

 turned along the rows at a distance of 4 to 6 inches from the parent 

 plant. These runners should be the first ones made by the plant and 

 should not be allowed to root themselves, but " set in." This is not a 

 difficult operation ; and if the runners are separated from the parent 

 plant as soon as they become well established, the drain on that plant 

 is not great. All other runners should be cut off as they start. The 

 row should be about 12 inches wide at fruiting time (Fig. 289). Each 

 plant should have sufficient feeding ground, full sunlight, and a firm 

 hold in the soil. This matted-row system is perhaps as good a method, 

 either in a private garden or field culture, as could be practiced. With 

 a httle care in hoeing, weeding, and cutting off runners, the beds seem 

 to produce as large crops the second year as the first. 



