Notes on Cold Storage Results 
As there were many indications that strawberry plants dug in the winter and stored at controlled 
temperatures would give better results than freshly dug plants. The U. S. Department of Agriculture 
set up an extensive experiment to determine the best time for digging plants for storage and the proper 
temperatures to get the greatest benefit. We cooperated with the U. S. D. A. in this work and tests were 
conducted on our farms. Much information was gained on proper storage practices and on the increased 
vigor of the stored plants as compared to freshly dug plants, especially when plants were set later than 
April 15th. As a result of this whenever weather conditions delayed our planting we have placed the 
plants in storage while still fully dormant (by Apr. 10th) and during that time we have had as good 
stand from late set storage plants as from fresh dug plants set in late March, and far better than from 
plants dug and set the same day in late April and early May. It has been our policy to send our custom- 
ers only fresh dug plants, however from the results of these carefully conducted experiments it is clear 
that when plants are to be set in late April or May much better stands and more rapid, vigorous growth 
will be had if plants are dug in late March or early April, while fully dormant and stored at the prop- 
er temperature until planted. 
As an added assurance of success, if conditions delay your planting we will place your plants in 
storage at no additional charge. To get full benefit plants should be stored by April 10th. Unless 
you request this service all plants will be strictly fresh dug. This is another of Rayner’s plus services 
to help our customers get the most from their berries. 
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- then fully dormant and the weather is most 
tain varieties for certain soil and climatic con- favorable to their becoming established. 
ditions strawberries can be grown in practi- é i : F 
cally every section of the country. Early planting is the most important single 
Se elee econ ell supplied) with factor in successful strawberry culture. April 
humus and well drained. Strawberries re- i the North; March and April in the Central 
quire an immense quantity of water at fruit- States; and November 1 to April in the South. 
ing time thus soil that is retentive of moisture 
will produce largest yields yet are not tolerant Care Of Plants—Before setting the roots 
to flooding, thus good drainage is also im- ‘Should be soaked in water for several hours 
portant. Land that has had thorough culti- %° that they may absorb all the water possible, 
vation previously is best. Sod land should be this will aid in carrying the plant until feeder 
avoided if possible as it may be infested with T00ts can be sent out. Keep plants protected 
white grub. from wind and sun; and moist at all times. 
A If plants cannot be set soon after arrival they 
Preparing The Land—When plans can be should be removed from the crate, and repack- 
made ahead, it is well to plow down a cover’ ed loosely. Stored in a cool, damp place they 
crop preceding planting strawberries, this will will keep in good condition three or four days. 
increase fertility, improve physical condition If plants must be kept longer the bundles 
and also aid in retaining moisture. Plowing should be opened and the plants heeled in a 
down weeds in the fall while green is also a V-shaped trench. A few cautions, spread the 
good practice, adding humus and also prevent- plants thinly so the soil contacts all roots, 
ing the maturing of the seed. The land should pack the soil firmly back in the trench up 
be plowed as early in the spring as possible even with the crowns, keep shaded, and water 
and harrowed and dragged until a firm, even thoroughly, especially if the weather is warm. 
plant bed is formed. Rows then marked out 
three and one 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. 
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 
_ Time To Plant—Early spring is the best roots straight down with the soil packed 
time to set strawberry plants, light frosts firmly for their entire length and the crown 
that do not heave the soil will not injure the even with the surface. Proper depth is very 
plants. We cannot stress too greatly the im- important, see illustration. Roots may be clip- 
portance of early planting. The plants are’ ped if too long to get in straight. 
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