STRAWBERRY CULTURE 



(Continued from page 4) 



Care of the plants: A few weeks after the straw- 

 berries are planted they will produce blossoms. For 

 the regular matted-row system it is best to remove 

 these blooms since the plants will make better 

 growth. Hoeing and cultivation are necessary 

 practices for weed control, but much benefit can 

 be obtained by use of a good weed-killer. We rec- 

 ommend that you consult your state agricultural 

 authorities for recommendations. We have used 

 geese in our fields for grass control ; about three per 

 acre will do a good job on young grass. 



In northern states it is important to mulch straw- 

 berries for prevention of winter injury. Straw, hay, 

 or marsh grass are the best materials. It should be 

 applied in the fall when the temperature first 

 reaches 20°F and used so as to cover the plants to 

 a depth of 3 to 4 in. About three to six tons 



of hay or straw per acre is needed. As soon as new 

 strawberry leaves begin to grow in the spring, the 

 mulch should be removed so that only about an 

 inch remains. The rest should be kept between the 

 beds where it will help keep the berries clean and 

 free of rot. Even in the South many berries are 

 mulched to help keep them free of dirt and decay. 



Control of diseases and insects: Two soil dis- 

 eases: red stele and verticillium wilt, sometimes 

 damage strawberries. Below is a list of resistant 

 varieties. In our No. 17 issue of "Better Berries" 

 we have a chart showing control of diseases and 

 insects. And in our No. 21 issue there is a full 

 summary of strawberry culture. Write to Rayner 

 Bros. Inc., Box 1617, Salisbury, Maryland 21801. 



For further details concerning strawberries contact 

 your county agricultural agent or write to your state 

 agricultural extension service. 



The Best Thing That^s Happened to 



Strawberries — Since Jam 



Guardian 



RESISTANT TO RED STELE AND VERTICILLIUM WILT 



As sure as strawberry jam is good to eat, 

 GUARDIAN is the best new variety to come along 

 for many years. This attractive midseason variety 

 has a delightful flavor that you won't forget. You 

 can preserve or freeze GIIARDIAN and enjoy its 

 wonderful flavor all year long. It has already be- 

 come a favorite with all who have picked it. The 

 huge, firm berries have a glossy shine that makes 

 it very attractive for home gardeners as well as 

 "pick it yourselfers." GUARDIAN holds its 

 uniform light red color throughout the picking 

 season and because of its firmness it ships well. 



Since it is highly resistant to red stele, Verti- 

 cillium wilt, powdery mildew, and leaf scorch, 

 GUARDIAN is very appropriately named. Red 

 stele and Verticillium wilt are two of the most 

 troublesome diseases in strawberry plantings. 

 Little can be done except to plant resistant varie- 

 ties. GUARDIAN is a high quality berry that is 

 resistant to five races of red stele as well as Verti- 

 cillium wilt. 



We strongly recommend that you plant 

 GUARDIAN. No strawberry planting would be 

 complete without this wonderful new variety. 



25 Plants $3.75; 50 for $5.60; 100 for $8.50; 1,000 for $37.50. Complete Prices Page 17. 



April 16, 1973 



The plants are great as usual. Thanks a lot for a good company such as yours. 



A. P. Thompson, Front Royal, Va. 



BETTER BERRIES BUILT OUR BUSINESS 



