4 
COLORADO EXPERIMENT STATION 
harrowing are practiced and at this time the alfalfa roots are removed 
as the harrow loosens them. A second plowing in spring followed by 
the harrow and leveler until the soil is free from lumps completes the 
preparation of the land,. 
Fertilizers. Well rotted barnyard manure is the fertilizer com¬ 
monly used for strawberries in this state. This is plowed under at the 
rate of 10-20 loads per acre. Fresh manure is somewhat objectionable 
on account of the weed seeds which it is liable to contain and also 
because it cannot be readily incorporated with the soil. Where com¬ 
posted manure is not available fresh manure is often used at the same 
rate. 
Hen manure is considered the most valuable domestic fertilizer 
and where available it is usually applied in the fall or early spring as 
a top dressing to the rows. Being one of the strongest of manures it 
must be spread thinly to avoid injury to the plants. 
Of the commercial fertilizers, bone meal is believed to be the most 
satisfactory as its effects continue for two or three years. Nitrate of 
soda is sometimes used during the blooming period with good results. 
On account of the readily soluable character of this fertilizer, two 
light applications, about two weeks apart, are better than a single heavy 
one. This fertilizer may be applied at the rate of 100 to 200 lbs. per 
acre. 
PLANTING 
Time. Spring planting is followed in this state almost without 
exception. Late summer and fall in this climate are usually character¬ 
ized by hot days and cold nights and such conditions are unfavorable to 
starting young plants into vigorous growth. In case of small garden 
plots it is possible however to set plants in late summer and secure a 
light crop the following spring, especially in cases where plants can be 
obtained near by and moved with a small mass of soil around the roots. 
Potted plants can be obtained from the principal seedsmen for fall 
setting with the assurance of a fair crop the next spring. 
The character of the season will usually determine largely the best 
time to set plants. In most cases this can be done in April which is 
the favorite month. Some growers say as early as possible so as to 
secure a strong growth during the first season. 
Plants. Plants for a new plat are obtained either from some old 
bed near at hand or from the nurserymen. In the former case they are 
usually dug with a spading fork, often on the day before planting. 
The plants are placed in wet sacks as fast as dug and kept from dry¬ 
ing out by an occasional sprinkling with water. 
Plants received from the nursery may sometimes be kept for tw’O 
or three days if the land is not ready for them and if they are received 
in good condition. They should be stored in a cool moist place, such 
as a lieht cellar, and occasionally sprinkled. Some growers prefer to 
buy plants from Eastern nurseries where they can be obtained earlier 
in the season than those from the home fields, and in this way get them 
well established before hot weather comes on. 
