8 ALLEN’S BOOK OF BERRIES—1922 
We cannot emphasize too strongly the importance of planting 
early. In this section the last two weeks in March are the idea] 
planting days. We cannot get our entire plantings out during 
those two weeks, but the ones we do get out then always start 
quicker, grow better and make better beds than those planted later 
unless conditions are very favorable. 
Early Planting will pay big. We know this because with our 
large plantings we cannot get them all set at the ideal time. 
Often an advantage of ten days to two weeks in time of planting 
will more than offset the benefits of a good dressing of fertilizer 
on later plantings. This is not theory. It has happened in our 
experience a number of times. It was true this year. When a 
plant grower in the latitude of New York or Massachusetts can 
dig plants, berry growers in those sections should be setting their 
plants. This is a big advantage we can give growers in those 
latitudes. We cau dig and ship plants earlier and have them 
right at hand for early planting. 
Early spring is the logical, natural, most suc- 
cessful and satisfactory time to set strawberry 
plants. So don’t neglect setting some plants 
this Spring, thinking you can make it up by 
early Fall planting. It can’t be done. 
Setting the Plants. Just before planting, the ground should 
be harrowed and made as level as possible. Then mark out the 
rows and you are ready to plant. There are a number of different 
methods of planting, but an ordinary garden or trowel or a flat 
dibble are the best tools to use. Whatever tool is used try to have 
the roots of the plant spread out fan-shaped, and be sure to have 
the crown at the surface of the ground—not below nor above. 
In some sections where large acreages are planted, a small 
three furrowed list or row is run up with a plow and then leveled 
off with a rake or drag. This gives a nice soft planting bed, but 
unless the ground is quite moist the rows should be run up two 
or three days before planting to allow the moisture to rise, and 
then rake off just before planting. Plowing, harrowing thor- 
oughly, and marking off rows is the best for small fields and gar- 
dens. It is best for larger fields unless the grower is familiar 
with other methods that have worked well under his conditions. 
Methods of Training. The matted row, hill, and hedge row 
systems are most commonly used. We advise the hill and hedge 
row methods only for those who have used them and found them 
satisfactory or for those who know of others nearby who have 
used those methods successfully. They require more time, trouble, 
and expense. It is claimed for them that they make a larger 
yield of fine berries. 
We prefer the matted row for both garden and for field culture. 
The extra foliage protects the fruit from scalding, makes them 
less sandy after a rain, and with us the yield of large, well-shaped 
berries is usually greater than with any other system. It is not 
so important to keep the row narrow, especially if the ground 
contains plenty of moisture. Varieties with large plants like 
Big Joe, Ekey, Chesapeake, Wm. Belt, Early Jersey Giant, Paul 
Jones, etc., rarely get either too wide or too thick. Very vigorous 
growing varieties that have small plants as, Senator Dunlap, 
McAlpin, Warfield, ete., on rich ground will set too thickly for 
fruiting purposes if not kept thinned. 
Probably 90% of all the strawberries grown in this country 
are grown in matted rows. Under average conditions we would 
not want to use any other system. 
Cultivation. Young plants should. be cultivated frequently after 
they begin to grow. This is done not only to keep down weeds 
and grass, but also, to save more moisture. After heavy rains 
the soil will become hard and “‘bake,’’ causing it to dry out 
quickly and be very cloddy when cultivated, unless the cultiva- 
tion is done while soil is still damp. So it is best to cultivate 
as soon after a rain as condition of the soil will permit. 
To Bermuda in Excellent Condition 
Bermuda, Dee. 2, 1920 
Acknowledging receipt of the 28th inst. notifying us that you 
are making shipment of our strawberry plants on the date. These 
plants arrived in Bermuda in excellent condition, and on the same 
boat as your letter. We anticipate great results from them and 
must compliment you on the care that you take to have your plants 
give satisfaction. 
The E. Worrall Outerbridge Co. 
