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 such 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 min- 
utes. 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, im- 
mediate planting insures the best resuwits. 
SOIlL—While strawberries are widely grown on many types ot 
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 capricious 
and will vary from poor to excellent depending on the soil and the 
locality, Plenty of moistu:e is essential, especially just before and dur- 
ing 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% 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. Hxperiments 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, 
