6 
COLORADO EXPERIMENT STATION 
however, two or three winter irrigations are considered very desirable 
and some growers prefer this to winter mulching. 
Mulching. Considerable difference of opinion exists regarding 
the benefits of winter mulching. The majority of growers consider 
it desirable especially where winter irrigation is not possible. For 
this purpose straw, manure, marsh hay, or similar material is made use 
of. Many growers prefer a light mulch of fine rotted manure placed 
on the row as it does not require removal in spring. In many localities 
it is difficult to make any mulch stay on the plants on account of strong 
winter winds. Brush, poles, or similar material, when it can be had, 
is sometimes used to hold the mulch in place. 
Cultivation is resumed the second year by some growers as soon 
as growth begins, after first removing the mulch, if any has been used, 
and is continued until the fruit sets. Others prefer to leave the mulch 
between the rows and pull the weeds by hand as they appear above the 
beds without giving further cultivation until after fruiting. In most 
cases, however, the mulch is removed as it would interfere with irri¬ 
gation and shallow furrows are run between the rows for this purpose. 
During the fruiting season irrigation is given frequently enough to 
keep the plants well supplied with moisture. Drying of the soil at this 
time not only reduces the size of the fruit but shortens the period of 
bearing as well. It is found that the rows should not be over eighteen 
rods long between laterals. Greater length than this necessitates 
keeping the water too long a time in the upper end of the rows in order 
that it may reach the farther end. The desirability of having the land 
as even as possible is apparent at this period for the plants in depres¬ 
sions' are then flooded after which the fruit scalds under the hot sun¬ 
shine. Irrigations during the picking season are given as soon as 
possible after the pickers have been over the field in order to allow as 
much time as possible for the soil to dry off before another picking is 
ready. 
PICKING AND PACKING. 
The berries intended for the markets are picked when somewhat 
under-ripe especially when intended for long shipment. The exact 
degree of ripeness can be gained only by experience and may vary some¬ 
what with different varieties. A short piece of stem left attached to 
each berry adds greatly to the keeping quality of the fruit. The most 
successful growers aim to secure good pickers for the entire season. 
Each picker carries a tray holding six boxes into which the berries are 
picked directly. When the fruit is to be graded it is desirable to have 
this done when picking and thus avoid a second handling. 
Facing the boxes consists of turning the stems of the upper layer 
of berries downward in each box. This adds to the attractive appear¬ 
ance of the fruit and is preferred by many dealers. Several methods of 
tallying the pickers are employed. The simplest is that in which a book 
or slate is used to record, opposite the name of each picker, the number 
of boxes picked. Some use tickets stamped or printed with the growers 
name and numbered i, 2, 6, 12, 24 qt., each different number being on 
