STRAWBERRIES FOR FORCING. 



845 



too warm in the winter season, when they should be at rest until 

 taken in for forcing. 



Plunged in ashes in cold pits, with the lights on only in severe 

 weather and at the time of strong cutting winds, is no doubt 

 the correct treatment for them. But few gardeners have 

 sufficient protection of this kind for them. I for one have not. 

 About the date named I plunge my plants in ashes, on a well- 

 drained hard bottom. The situation is sheltered from the north. 

 All dead leaves are left on the plants ; this is their natural 

 protection, which is all they have. Some pots are broken by 

 the frost — from 100 to 200. As I grow 5,500 annually, the 

 breakage is not very large ; but I think they are more than com- 

 pensated for by the soil being thoroughly sweetened by nature. 



Strawberry plants are not long intact in their winter quarters. 

 Before November is past the forcing season must commence, so as 

 to have ripe Strawberries early in March. I like to give them as 

 long a rest as possible ; the third week in the month is a good 

 time to take the first batch into the forcing-house. I mix half a 

 pound of sulphur in three gallons of water, and immerse every 

 plant before taking it indoors, to destroy and prevent mil- 

 dew. Where a Strawberry-house does not exist, other houses 

 will do for them. They must have a place near the glass, where 

 a good circulation of air can be admitted when required. I 

 prefer placing them where they are to grow, rather than starting 

 them in bottom-heat, as the roots are liable to receive a check 

 after moving them to the shelves. 



When they are in the house the details of their requirements 

 want thoroughly studying and carrying out. Watering is very 

 important. The soil should never be allowed to get dry. When 

 the plants are first put in, water when slightly moist ; increase 

 the quantity of water as the growth becomes stronger. By the 

 time the fruit is " set " water may be given when the soil is not 

 very wet, until the fruit begins to colour, when it must be partially 

 withheld, to give flavour. In the last part of the forcing season 

 Strawberries frequently require watering twice a day, and some- 

 times three times. 



Strawberry plants begin to grow out of doors when the 

 temperature is low, so it is necessary to commence forcing with 

 a low temperature — 50° at night, 55° on dull days, and 60° by 

 sun-heat suits them. Slightly increase the temperature with the 



