Start hoeing and cultivating soon after the plants start 
putting out new growth. Make sure to uncover any bud's that 
may have been covered by too deep setting or by rains washing- 
soil over them. 
Cut off the spring blossoms as soon as they appear. As the 
summer blossoms start coming cut them off at least once a 
week until about the middle of July. This enables the plant 
to build up strength for berry production later on when berries 
are more saleable. 
The hill system is best. Removal of runners not only builds 
up stronger individual plants, but increases blossom and fruit 
production. Cut off all runners or let each plant set only 
live or six runners and the summer and fall crop will be greater 
and the berries larger. Of course they can be allowed to form 
a wider spaced row with good results on favorable sites and 
with a better chance for the spring crop. 
Planting distances. These may be varied to suit the con¬ 
venience of the grower. In small gardens where all hand work 
is intended, they may be set as close as 15 inches apart each 
way. Rows 30 inches apart with 15 inches in the row will 
allow for some horse cultivation. The double hill row is 
being favored by many larger growers. In this the total dis¬ 
tance from center to center is about SV 2 feet with the plants 
in each double row about 15 inches apart each way. 
Mulching. Experiments indicate that summer mulching in¬ 
creases total yield little or none. However, by helping keep 
down weeds it reduces labor and by keeping berries clean and 
bright it increases the value of the fall crop. Mulching can be 
used much more effectively if grown in hills or in very thin 
rows. When used it should be applied about June 20tli to July 
1st, by which time any new runner plants desired will have 
started. From two to three tons of wheat straw, marsh grass, 
or other line material should be used per acre. See page 27. 
Also photo, page 20. 
Manure and fertilizer. We are convinced that heavy feeding 
is essential for big crops of everbearers. Stable manure broad¬ 
cast heavily before plants are set and green crops plowed 
under is very helpful. Several applications of commercial 
fertilizers, mostly nitrogen and phosphorus (see page 26) ap¬ 
plied during the summer may be used. Great care must be 
taken to see that fertilizer is applied when the foliage is 
thoroughly dry and that any which lodges on the leaves is 
brushed off at once. 
A rugged Mastodon plant 
cUaw.? 
Everbearing berries are grown by exactly the 
same method as regular varieties. However, so 
much is expected of them in so short a time 
that special attention to the more important 
points may be helpful. 
Start with good strong plants. 
Select good land and have it well prepared. 
Set plants early while both soil and plants 
are in good condition; the soil cool and moist, 
the plants not devitalized by a heavy growth 
of leaves and blossoms. 
Ample moisture helps the plant growth, fruit production 
and the efficiency of fertilizer applied. Therefore, select springy land full of organic matter, 
cultivate or mulch to conserve water and use irrigation if available. 
Cycles, xlll the Everbearers have cycles of fruiting. None of them bear every daj fiom mid¬ 
summer to freezing weather. In Maryland Gem stands the heat better and is fai 11101 e pioductne 
in August and early September. Mastodon and Wayzata are at their best a little latei. Gieen 
Mountain is latest of all to reach its best production. Commercial growers therefore may want 
several varieties to have continuous bearing during late summer and fall. 
Yields. One pint per plant set is probably as good as 
often obtained by careful growers under good conditions, 
plant have been recorded. 
the average. Much better yields are 
Yields as high as two quarts per 
21 
