4 J. W. JONES & SON, FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA 

Setting plants with dibbles in our fields. If help is plentiful, as here, 
there is no better way. 
Some Advice on Growing Berries 
It will be understood that these suggestions about the growing of straw- 
berries are intended for beginners only, since those who have had experience 
will know quite as much about it as we do, and in relation to their particular 
locality, more. The matted-row system in the one by which at least 95% of 
all berries are grown, that is to leave just about all the runners produced to 
make plants, leaving only enough room in the alley for the convenience of the 
pickers. However, thinning for the rampant plant makers is an imperative 
necessity if one is to get fruit of good size and appearance. 
SELECT WELL DRAINED SOIL. The fundamental element of success in 
growing any crop is the selection of a soil. Strawberries need a strong, well- 
drained location, but at the same time, the land should be as retentive of moist- 
ure as it is possible to have it. Strawberries suffer more from dry weather 
than from any other cause and therefore a moist soil always contributes to 
success. Grow cowpeas on land the previous year to planting strawberries 
if it is possible; where they are not practicable, sow rye in the early fall and 
plow under early the next spring, as strawberries need a soil full of humus. 
It holds the moisture and makes them grow and bear much better. 
DISTANCE TO PLANT. Make your rows 4 to 4% feet apart and set plants 
from 15 inches to 3 feet apart in the rows, depending on the variety. Chesa- 
peake, making but few plants, should be spaced about 15 inches. Blakemore, 
a prolific plant maker, will get too thick quite often if set three feet. Big 
Joe, Premier, Dorsett, Fairfax and most midseason kinds will usually make 
a proper bed if planted 2 feet apart. Gandy, Lupton and Catskill 2 to 2% 
feet. We run our furrows with a double row marker, sow fertilizer down the 
furrow at the rate of 400 to 500 pounds to the acre, and then make a sharp 
list with a twe-horse machine, striking down this bed nearly level of the ad 
with a hoe or a small drag and you. will be ready to set plants. 
CAREFUL WITH FERTILIZER | 
We desire to warn our friends against the too heavy: application of 
commercial fertilizers to young Strawberry plants. It is dangerous in the 
extreme. Many plants have been. injured. and.often killed outright, but 400 
