RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



103 



turbed when planting is done; but, on the other hand, there 

 is the disadvantage that it is difficult to keep the soil in small 

 pots moist when they are exposed all day long to the air and 

 to sunshine. Most of the young plants, if left to themselves, 

 would root in the ground, but they would be slower to do 

 so than if pegged down, and time is of importance if a crop 

 is to be obtained in the first season. When a sufficient number 

 hasbeen layered, all other runners should be cut off. 



Fig. 41.— Strawberry runner layered In a pot, and another In the ground. 



TIME TO PLANT. 



If the conditions are favourable, the earlier Strawberries 

 are planted the better. But if the ground is dry in August, 

 it is advisable to wait for showery weather in September, or 

 even October. The 'site should have been previously prepared 

 by trenching and manuring. While such preparation is im- 

 portant for all crops, it is especially important for those that 

 are to occupy the ground for four years. Trenching is recom- 

 mended for Strawberries, not merely digging, for the roots 

 go deep. 



DISTANCE TO PLANT. 



The usual distances for planting are from eighteen inches 

 to two feet between the plants, and two feet between the rows 



