10 ALLEN'S BOOK OF BERRIES— 1927 



Commercial fertilizer for starting young plants (either broadcast before 

 plants are set or thoroughly mixed with the soil in the drill) should have 2-3% of 

 available nitrogen and 5-10% or more available phosphoric acid. If put in furrow 

 under plants it is likely to injure the plants unless moderate amounts are used, and 

 that thoroughly mixed with soil. As a top-dressing for fruiting beds in spring, a 

 7-6-5 or 4-8-4 fertilizer is most generally used in this section, although it has never 

 been definitely shown that the crop is benefited by the potash. 



We have obtained the best results, the last two seasons, from commercial 

 fertilizer under the plants before setting, that we have ever obtained. It was our 

 own formula made up from a study of all the experimental evidence put out by 

 all our experiment stations. We used 1,500 lbs. of dissolved bone (3-9-0) and 500 

 lbs. of acid phosphate, 16% to make a ton of fertilizer, analyzing about 2.5-10.5-0. 

 About 400 lbs. per acre of this was used in the drill and cultivated in thoroughly — 

 going twice in each row with horse and cultivator to stir it in well. We planted 

 young trees in one block and the tree rows were skipped. Our results were really 

 remarkable. The fertilized rows started quicker and faster, grew better all season, 

 and now have lots more plants and better beds than the unfertilized rows. There 

 are about 20 varieties in the field and the same results hold on all varieties. 



But don't use too much of this. In 1924 one grower in this county learned 

 what we were using and tried it also, but used 1,000 lbs. per acre in the drill, and 

 that not worked in as thoroughly as our 400 lbs. Result, he killed about half of 

 his plants, especially the side of his field which was highest and lightest. He prob- 

 ably could have used that much advantageously had he applied it broadcast and 

 harrowed it in well. 



Perfect and Imperfect Varieties. Perfect flowering varieties planted alone 

 will mature a crop of perfect fruit. Imperfect flowering varieties should have per- 

 fect varieties planted with them, at least one row for every five or six. When two 

 varieties are used in equal amounts, they are often alternated three or four rows 

 of each. In our price-list, perfect flowering varieties are followed by "per" — imper- 

 fect varieties by "imp". 



Mulching. A mulch is applied for one or all of three reasons : First, to protect 

 the plants from freezing and thawing of the soil in winter; second, to keep the soil 

 cool and moist during the season when fruit is being produced; third, to keep the 

 berries from being spattered with dirt by rain during fruiting season. 



The mulch should be applied in the fall. In the spring when plants begin to 

 start, this is raked to the center of the rows and there serves the purpose of retard- 

 ing the growth of weeds and grass, keeping the ground loose and moist and the 

 fruit clean. Use coarse manure, marsh grass, rye straw or similar material. 



Green Manure Crops. In many sections where stable manure used to be plen- 

 tiful and reasonably priced, it is now scarce and high priced. Green manure crops, 

 properly handled, will take the place of stable manure very successfully. Sow soy 

 beans or cow peas in late spring or early summer. We prefer broadcast sowing of 

 these crops. Even though it takes more seed than row planting, you do not need to 



Knox Co., Tenn., Feb. 19, 1926. 

 Enclosed find money order for plants. We had the worst drought in the history of this state, 

 last year, and while very few new plants were made, the Chesapeake and Premier plants I received 

 from you in 1924 came through practically unhurt. I received last year as high as $1.00 per crate 

 (24 quarts) above the market price for Chesapeakes, and could have sold three times as many if I 

 had had them. 



E. B. McBath 



GREAT SUCCESS WITH OUR BERRIES 



Lawrence Co., Pa., Mar. 13, 1926. 

 We have had great success with your berries. They are certainly fine. The best in our com- 

 munity. Our berries have advertised you and I think have made you some customers. 



Wm. M. Raney 



