446 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
varieties of strawberries will grow on certain soils better than othe1 
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 8 feet apart and 1 foot in the row, or if it be worked 
both ways, they may be from 2 to 23 feet each way. In the small 
garden, where a horse cannot be used, the plants are frequently 
sect 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. Shiciibarne plant desired, the plant may be held above the ground 
supported by a wire by a wire frame, as shown in Fig. 288. 
Tack 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 suMeient 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 little care in hoeing, weeding, and cutting off runners, the beds seem 
to produce as large crops the second year as the first. 
