HELP YOUR EVERBEARERS DO THEIR BEST 
Much is expected of Everbearers in a very short time. Therefore, 
special attention to a few very important points may be helpful in 
bringing in a crop of superfine fruit. Generally speaking, everbearing 
berries are grown by the same methods as regular varieties. However, 
we do know that the growing hints listed below will be helpful if 
followed by those who wish to make the most of their Everbearers. 
Start with good strong plants. 
Select good land and have it well prepared. 
Set plants early while both soil and plants are in good condition; the soil cool and moist, the 
plants not devitalized by a heavy growth of leaves and blossoms. 
Start hoeing and cultivating soon after the plants start putting out new growth. Make sure to 
uncover any buds that may have been covered by too deep setting or by rains washing soil over them. 
Cut off the spring blossoms as soon as they appear. As the summer blossoms start coming, cut 
them off at least once a week until about the middle of July. This enables the plant to build up strength for 
berry production later on when berries are more saleable. 
The hill system is best. Removal of runners not only builds up stronger individual plants, but 
increases blossom and fruit production. Cut off all runners or let each plant set only five or six runners 
and the summer and fall crop will be greater and the berries larger. Of course they can be allowed to form 
a wider spaced row with good results on favorable sites and with a better chance for the spring crop. 
Planting distances. These may be 
varied to suit the convenience of the grow- 
er. In small gardens where all hand work 
is intended, they may be set as close as 15 
inches apart each way. Rows 30 inches 
apart with 15 inches in the row will allow 
for some horse cultivation. The double hill 
row is being favored by many larger grow- 
ers. In this the total distance from center 
to center is about 3% feet with the plants 
in each double row about 15 inches apart 
each way. 
Mulching. Experiments indicate 
that summer mulching increases total yield 
little or none. However, by helping keep 
down weeds it reduces labor and by keep- 
ing berries clean and bright it increases 
the value of the fall crop. Mulching can be 
used much more effectively if grown in hills 
or in very thin rows. When used it should 
be applied about June 20th to July 1st, by 
which time any new runner plants desired 
Will have started. From two to three tons 
of wheat straw, marsh grass, or other fine 
material should be used per acre. See 
page 31. 
Manure and fertilizer. We are 
convinced that heavy feeding is essential 
for big crops of everbearers. Stable ma- 
nure broadcast heavily before plants are 
set and green crops plowed under is very 
helpful. Several applications of commercial fertilizers, mostly nitrogen and phosphorus applied during 
the summer may be used. Great care must be taken to see that fertilizer is applied when the foliage is 
thoroughly dry and that any which lodges on the leaves is brushed off at once. 
Ample moisture helps the plant growth, fruit production and the efficiency of fertilizer applied. 
Therefore, select springy land full of organic matter, cultivate or mulch to conserve water and use irrigation. 
Cycles. All the Everbearers have cycles of fruiting. None of them bear every day from midsummer 
to freezing weather. In Maryland Gem stands the heat better and is far more productive in August and 
early September. Mastodon and Wayzata are at their best a little later. Green Mountain is latest of all to 
reach its best production. Commercial growers therefore may want several varieties to have continuous 
bearing during late summer and fall. 
Yields. One pint per plant set is probably as good as the average. Much better yields are often 
obtained by growers under good conditions. Yields as high as two'quarts per plant have been recorded. 
Everbearers on display. We've found the 15-pint 
Hat just the thing. 
