THE W. F. ALLEN CO., SALISBURY, MD. : 
Picking Big Joe, One of the Best. 
Cultural Directions 
Strawberries will thrive in any type of soil that is not dry 
sand or water-logged clay. They will often give good crops in soils 
that have been given poor preparation. But, like other crops, 
they respond quickly to good cultivation. 
One of the first essentials in producing a good crop of berries 
is plenty of moisture. Springy land that is well drained is there- 
fore the best type of soil. But on other types water can be conserv- 
ed by cultivation or by mulching, or in most cases there may be 
enough natural rainfall at fruiting time. Any good garden soil 
will produce good crops of strawberries. 
Preparing the Land. Potatoes, tomatoes, beans, cabbage, and 
other truck crops usually leave the ground in excellent condition 
for strawberries. This is because they are kept well cultivated 
for a good part of the season and are usually well manured and 
fertilized. 
In all eases, sod land should be avoided for strawberries, as the 
white grubs winter over in such land and cut off young plants 
when set the following spring. If you have no other land avail- 
able, plow the land during the fall and many of the grubs will be 
killed out during the winter. 
We believe the best preparation for strawberries under our con- 
ditions is as follows: Whatever the preceding crop, plow the land 
in fall or winter, spread broadcast with stable manure (8-15 tons 
per acre). Disc this in. In the spring plow the land again if it 
has become hard. If it is still in good condition for planting 
run the rows (a three furrowed list leveled off by raking or drag- 
ging will put it in nice condition for planting). If in some cever 
erop like clover, rye, etc., we would apply the manure whenever 
available and plow under as early in the spring as possible. 
We strongly urge the use of the cover crop wherever possible. 
Time to Plant—Impecrtant. In the extreme South stock plants, 
free from nematode and rust, should be planted in February, 
March, or early April. In the middle States, March and April are 
the best planting months. In the North—April. Plant in early 
spring, just as soon as you can get your ground in condition. 
This gives plants as long a growing season as possible, and the 
plants are set and growing before hot, dry weather comes on. 
Be sure to have your plants on hand when you are ready for 
them. Have your plants shipped early and heel them in in some 
protected place and cover with straw until you can plant. 
Surpass Any Plants He Ever Had 
Broome County, N. Y., April 18, 1921 
The strawberry plants came to hand today, the 18, and I can 
say they surpass any plants I ever had. I have had plants from 
other nurseries and ought to be in a position to know a good thing 
when I see it. I can truthfully say that I am well pleased. Here’s 
to yours for success and future orders. 
Chas. J. Vallen 
