104 MODERN STRAWBERRY GROWING 
of water are to be used in the forcing and 
fruiting period, and it is important that the 
strawberry plants do not have too much 
moisture around the roots. 
Many growers advise the plunging of 
these pots, almost to the rim, in some coarse 
material, like coal ashes or spent tan bark, 
in order that the earthworms will be pre- 
vented from entering the pots. Other 
growers replace the pots in the soil near the 
parent plant, especially if water for irriga- 
tion or sprinkling is handy. Otherwise 
the pots are placed with convenience for 
watering, as this is the main thing necessary 
during the growing season. 
Sometimes, for convenience, or for the pur- 
pose of protecting the plants during heavy 
thunderstorms, the pots may be placed in 
coldframes without the glass. In the fall, 
about the first of October, it is time to con- 
sider ripening off the plants. At this time 
the plants will have attained their full growth 
and the pots will be filled with their roots. 
Less water should be given and a drying 
out of the soil in the pots should result. 
There are two reasons for this drying off 
the potted plants: 
