Berries and Small Fruits 231 



cultivation 



Whatever system is used — and each has its advo- 

 cates — the strawberry bed must be kept clean, and 

 attention given to removing the surplus runners. 

 Cultivate frequently enough to keep a dust mulch 

 between the rows, as advocated for garden crops 

 (page 102). At first, after setting, the cultivation 

 may be as deep as three or four inches, but as the 

 roots develop and fill the ground it should be re- 

 stricted to two inches at most. Where a horse is 

 used a Planet Jr. twelve-tooth cultivator will be just 

 the thing. 



MULCHING 



After the ground freezes, and before severe cold 

 sets in (about the ist to the 15th of December) the 

 bed should be given its winter mulch. Bog hay, 

 which may be obtained cheaply from some nearby 

 farmer, is about the best material. Clean straw will 

 do. Cover the entire bed, one or two inches over the 

 plants, and two or three between the rows. If neces- 

 sary, hold in place with old boards. In spring, but 

 not before the plants begin to grow, over each 

 plant the mulch is pushed aside to let it through. 

 Besides giving winter protection, the mulch acts as 

 a clean even support for the berries and keeps rfte 

 roots cool and moist. 



