Suggestions on Strawberry Culture 



Strawberries are one of the easiest of the fruits to grow and we know of but one secret 

 method which will assure success. It is simply good land, good cultivation, good plants and 

 good sense. We give below general cultural directions and should you desire additional infor- 

 mation we shall be glad to have you write us. 



Adaptability — With the adaptability of cer- 

 tain varieties for certain soil and climatic con- 

 ditions strawberries can be grown in practi- 

 cally every section of the country. 



Soil — Select good soil, well supplied with 

 humus and well drained. Strawberries re- 

 quire an immense quantity of water at fruit- 

 ing time thus soil that is retentive of moisture 

 will produce largest yields yet are not tolerant 

 to flooding, thus good drainage is also im- 

 portant. Land that has had thorough culti- 

 vation previously is best. Sod land should be 

 avoided if possible as it may be infested with 

 white grub. 



Preparing The Land — When plans can be 

 made ahead, it is well to plow down a cover 

 crop preceding planting strawberries, this will 

 increase fertility, improve physical condition 

 and also aid in retaining moisture. Plowing 

 down weeds in the fall while green is also a 

 good practice, adding humus and also prevent- 

 ing the maturing of the seed. The land should 

 be plowed as early in the spring as possible 

 and harrowed and dragged until a firm, even 

 plant bed is formed. Rows then marked out 

 three and a half to four feet apart. A horse 

 drawn marker is best with a large planting. 

 With a small planting a line or hoe is satis- 

 factory. 



Time To Plant — Early spring is the best 

 time to set strawberry plants, light frosts 

 that do not heave the soil will not injure the 

 plants. We cannot stress too greatly the im- 

 portance of early planting. The plants are 

 then fully dormant and the weather is most 

 favorable to their becoming established. 



Early planting is the most important single 

 factor in successful strawberry culture. April 

 in the North; March and April in the Central 

 States; and November 1 to April in the South. 



Care Of Plants — Before setting the roots 

 should be soaked in water for several hours 

 so that they may absorb all the water possible, 

 this will aid in carrying the plant until feeder 

 roots can be sent out. Keep plants protected 

 from wind and sun ; and moist at all times. 

 If plants cannot be set soon after arrival they 

 should be removed from the crate, and repack- 

 ed loosely. Stored in a cool, damp place they 

 will keep in good condition three or four days. 

 If plants must be kept longer the bundles 

 should be opened and the plants heeled in a 

 V-shaped trench. A few cautions, spread the 

 plants thinly so the soil contacts all roots, 

 pack the soil firmly back in the trench up 

 even with the crowns, keep shaded, and water 

 thoroughly, especially if the weather is warm. 



Planting — There are many good tools for 

 setting strawberry plants, the trowel, dibble, 

 spade and (for large plantings) the horse or 

 tractor drawn transplanters are all satisfac- 

 tory. The important points are to have the 



roots straight down with the soil packed 

 firmly for their entire length and the crown 

 even with the surface. Proper depth is very 

 important, see illustration. Roots may be clip- 

 ped if too long to get in straight. 



Distance To Plant — Plants should be set 1.1 

 to 36 inches apart (distance should vary ac- 

 cording to the bedding habit of the variety, 

 Chesapeake and other sparce bedders the min- 

 imum. Blakemore and similar sorts the max- 

 imum) in rows 3% to 4 or even 4j^ feet apart. 



Plants Required Per Acre — To set 15 inches 

 apart in rows Sy 2 feet apart an acre will 

 require about 10,000 plants ; for 3 ft. apart 

 in rows 4 feet apart, will require about 3,800 

 plants. The most popular planting is from 

 7,000 to 8,000 plants per acre. 



Cultivation: Plants should be kept tho- 

 roughly cultivated all through the growing 

 season. Cultivating at weekly intervals until 

 bed forms will greatly reduce the amount of 

 hoeing required to keep down weeds. Plants 

 should be hoed soon after set and any plants 

 too deep or too shallow should be corrected. 

 Hoe and cultivate shallow near the plants to 

 avoid disturbing the roots. In later hoeing, 

 after the plant bed is formed, attention should 

 be given that the plants do not become too 

 densely set in row, especially with varieties 



Planting At Proper Depth Very Important 



