CULTURAL PRACTICES 
The strawberry is not only one of the most popular and delicious 
fruits but can be grown almost universally. We would advise all who 
have even a small plot of ground to set some this spring. If you are 
situated so as to care for a half acre or more, a nice profit will be real¬ 
ized from the venture. The initial cost is relatively small and the 
profits comparatively large. No other fruit gives su-ch quick returns. 
City dwellers will find that even a small patch will supply the family 
with fresh, lucious berries during the season at little expense. 
Care of the Plants on Arrival 
The package should be opened at once and the roots of each 
bunch put in water for a few minutes. If it is necessary to hold the 
plants for a few days, wet the roots as stated and repack them loosely 
in the package or put in a pile with the roots inside with damp moss 
between the layers as in the original package, keeping the plants in a 
cool place. If it is necessary to hold them more than a few days, heel 
the plants in the soil. However, immediate planting insures the best 
results. 
SOIL—While strawberries are widely grown on many types of 
soil, individual varieties show a marked difference in their response to 
varying soil types. Some varieties, such as Premier, are universally 
adapted and will do well on almost any soil. Others are more capri¬ 
cious and will vary from poor to excellent depending on the soil and 
the locality. Plenty of moisture is essential, especially just before and 
during picking. Soils rich in humus or organic matter are better 
adapted to hold sufficient moisture than are poor soils low in humus. 
Plant on clean soil, free from weeds and grass. This will aid 
greatly in weed control. 
PLANTING—Early Spring planting as soon as the ground can be 
well fitted is best. If delayed until late spring, the chances of heavy 
loss due to hot dry weather are much greater. 
Set in rows 3 y 2 to 4 feet apart and 15 to 24 inches in the row. 
Sparse growing varieties, such as Chesapeake, should be set closer than 
free-growing ones, such as Premier, Dorsett or Fairfax. At these dis¬ 
tances it will require about 8,000 plants per acre. 
CULTIVATION—Cultivate frequently enough to keep the soil 
in good tilth and to control weeds. Weed control is absolutely essential 
to successful berry growing. 
Some of the more free-growing varieties tend to set too many 
plants for the best results. Experiments have shown that allowing only 
a limited number of strong, sturdy plants to set and removing all excess 
runners, will result in larger yields with a higher percentage of large, 
better quality berries. 
Blossoms should be removed from the newly set plants as they 
appear. 
MULCHING—Late in the fall the berries should be mulched to 
prevent heaving during the winter. Marsh hay, straw, leaves, strawy 
manure or any like material may be used. In the spring, the bulk of 
this mulch should be raked off the plants and put between the rows. 
This will aid in conserving moisture, a most important item in straw¬ 
berry production, and in weed control. It also keeps the berries 
cleaner. 
