4 
HOLDRIDGE’S BOOK OF BERRIES—1937 
STRAWBERRY CULTURE 
Choosing the Land 
Almost any fertile land which is well drained will raise 
good strawberries. We advice against setting on greensward 
because of the presence of white grubs who relish the tender 
roots of strawberries. If possible, plant on land on which no 
lime has been spread for at least one year. 
Fertilizing 
We recommend spreading your fertilizer broadcast on the 
ground after the land has been plowed and harrowed. Then 
harrow the fertilizer in. This places your fertilizer where it 
will be available to the new plants as they commence to run. 
Additional fertilizer may be added any time during the first 
year if needed. Do not fertilize your bed the spring that it is 
going to bear for the extra fertilizer will go into the leaves. 
Do not put lime on your strawberry bed at any time. 
When To Plant 
We recommend planting the plants just as early in the 
spring as possible. This will enable the plants to get a good 
start before the hot or dry weather starts. 
Setting Out Plants 
Strawberries may be spaced 15-18 inches apart in the rows, 
and rows 3 to 4 feet apart. Later in the season the plants should 
be set closer. In setting the plants, dig a hole large enough to 
enable you to spread the roots well. The plants should be set 
deep enough so that the roots are well covered yet care should 
be taken that the tender heart is uncovered. Press the plant 
firmly into the ground. 
Care of Bed 
The blossoms should be picked off the first year so that all 
the strength of the plant will go into the new runners. Of 
course, the strawberry bed must be hoed often enough during 
the summer to keep it free from weeds. 
Mulching 
The bed should be covered during the early winter with a 
thin covering of straw, hay or meadow grass. Use whichever 
of these that is easier or cheaper for you to obtain. In the 
spring, the hay may be raked between the rows, making a 
cushion for the pickers during the season. This also prevents 
dirty berries. 
