236 



STRAWBERRIES 



as much fruit to each plant as others. The hedge-row and hill-row 

 plans allow of more mulching as the mulching of the matted-row 

 must be removed in the spring to allow the crop to form. In the 



Fig. 162. — Strawberries grown in narrow, matted rows with straw mulch between. (Indiana 



Station.) 



other two plans the mulch may remain between the rows until 

 after picking. The fruit clusters may form upon it and are thus 

 kept out of dirt. This mulch keeps down the weeds, conserves 



Fig. 163. — Strawberries in narrow hedge-rows three feet apart. The straw mulch saves 

 moisture in the soil, keeps the berries clean, and keeps down the weeds. 



moisture and makes picking more agreeable. After the crop is all 

 gathered, the vines are mowed down, raked off with the mulch 

 and put into the compost heap. 



