2a5u to (ftow 



That is true, but the few simple things which 

 any beginner can do must be done to get a good 

 crop. Mostly, they should be handled the same 

 as other varieties. However, so much is ex- 

 pected from Everbearers so quickly that special 

 attention to certain things is most important. 



1. Start with good strong plants. 



2. Select good land and have it well prepared. 



3. 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. 



4. Start hoeing and cultivating soon after the plants start 

 pntting out new growth, making sure to uncover any buds that 

 may have been covered by too deep setting or by rains washing 

 soil over them. 



5. 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. 



G. The hill system is best. Removal of runners not only 

 builds up stronger individual plants, but increases blossom and 

 fruit production. Cut off all rtmners 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 in favorable years and 

 with a better chance for the spring crop. 



7. Planting distances. These may be varied to suit the con- 

 venience of the grower. 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 as shown 

 in the picture on page 21 is being favored by many larger 

 growers. In this the total distance from center to center is 



about ZV'i feet with the plants in each double row about 15 \ , 



inches apart each w^ay. 



8. Mulching. Experiments indicate that summer mulching 



increases total yield little or none. However, by helping keep ^ 



down weeds it reduces labor and by keeping berries clean and I 



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 A rugged Mastodon plant 



grass, or other fine material should be used per acre. See 



page 25. 



9. Manure and fertilizer. We are convinced that heavy feeding is essential for big crops 

 of everbearers. Stable manure broadcast heavily before plants are set and green crops plowed 

 under is very helpful. Several applications of commercial fertilizers, mostly nitrogen and 

 phosphorus (see page 24) 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. 



10. 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 if available. 



11. Yields of two quarts or more per plant set have been made. Many grow- 

 ers get one quart per plant, but the average is probably not over one half quart 

 per plant during the first summer and fall. In any year the crop will be 

 more or less, depending upon how well these things (1 to 10 above) are done. 



19 



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