472 



GROWING STRAWBERRIES 



Some of the leading commercial varieties are listed under 

 ''General Information'^ at the close of the chapter. 



4. Determining Time of Planting. Plant in early spring 

 in all except southern United States. With proper care, this 

 insures a full crop the next year. August or fall planting is 

 possible and common in some sections, but experience indi- 

 cates that it is a desirable practice only under special condi- 

 tions. Losses from dry weather after planting, or from the 

 oncoming winter, are more severe. A full crop cannot be 



Fig. 181. Left, an old plant, undesirable for 

 setting ; right, a young plant with vigorous root 

 system, desirable for setting. 



expected the following season because the plants do not 

 develop sufficiently before the cold weather to give a wide and 

 well-filled row. Greater difficulty is experienced in keeping 

 the plantation clean until full fruitage. 



Only well-grown plants with strong, fibrous root systems 

 are worth planting (Figs. 181, 182). There is more difference 

 between strawberry plants than the public seems to realize. 

 Many taken from old beds and those from some nurseries are 

 not worth setting. Use plants which developed the previous 

 season, unless planting in late summer or fall, when plants 

 of the current season^s growth are preferable. Older plants 



