December, 1918 



THE GARDEN MAGAZINE 



147 



What is a "Good" Strawberry? 



SOME time ago, I read an article in the 

 Garden Magazine that told of Mr. 

 Kevitt's successful plantingas late as November 

 15th. Is not early August considered the most 

 desirable date for Southern Massachusetts? 

 For the large home garden where shipping 

 qualities are not requisite what kinds of straw- 

 berries best comply with the conditions men- 

 tioned in "sweet and luscious and of aromatic 

 flavor"? — Edward S. Adams, Mass. 



— I, too, think most growers would be sur- 

 prised at Mr.- Kevitt's late planting date, but 

 I saw the fruit and plants late in June, and the 

 crop was certainly a good one. It would have 

 been a good showing for any time of setting. 

 But these were the strongest, well-rooted 

 plants, most skilfully set in the best of soil. 



When it comes to naming "best" kinds of 

 strawberries, it's much like selecting the "best 

 girl" for some other fellow — it's risky busi- 

 ness. There's no accounting for tastes, and 

 this applies to strawberry plants as well as 

 strawberry growers. No fruit is more finicky 

 in its variations, and no other fruit is more 

 local in its success and failures. A variety 

 that is "best" in one locality or on one kind of 

 soil or under one method of culture may be 

 nearly worthless in others. For example, 

 Chesapeake in form and color is ideal, 

 and its quality is high. But the introducer, J. 

 T. Lovett, says that it will not succeed on 

 his sandy soil. I saw it on heav^ soil years 

 ago. Its appearance captivated my eye, its 

 quality tickled my palate, and "I fell for it" 

 at once, though it was then spoken of as a little 

 weak in plant and a poor "plant maker." 

 I tried this in a small way only to be repeat- 

 edly disappointed on my sandy soil. If I lived 

 in Massachusetts, I certainly would test it. 

 In fruit, it's one of the best I've ever seen. 



A variety that is very popular up Boston 

 way is Marshall, for it succeeds there; from 

 my experience, I wouldn't say that it pos- 

 sesses, all the strawberry graces, "sweet, 

 luscious, aromatic," in highest degree. But 

 it's worth trying. Wm. Belt is a berry worth 

 while though its tendency to grow cartwheels 

 doesn't suit some. But it's a strong grower, 

 productive and of good quality. Nick 

 Ohmer is another variety worth trying. For 

 late, Gandy is good. Fendall is a good one in 

 some localities. Some of the new hybrids may 

 prove valuable, but time and many trials 

 are necessary to demonstrate this. Try a few 

 plants of Forward or Progtessive "everbear- 

 ing" varieties. 



But best of all take a squint over the fence of 

 your strawberry growing neighbor, whose soil 

 and conditions are like your own. Try 

 several varieties in a small way, including each 

 year one of the newer kinds. This experimental 

 work is more fun than the circus, and you may 

 find a prize that combines all the desired 

 qualities. — F. H. V. 



FAIRFAX ROSES 



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1919 Rose and Seed 

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$50 in Gold 



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Your copy of these free books are 

 awaiting your request. Write to-day. 



W. R. GRAY box 6 



OAKTON, Fairfax Co., Virginia 



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