
36 HAND BOOK FOR THE GARDEN 

ground in condition for preparation. This gives them a chance to 
make root growth before hot weather. No rule can be given as to the 
proper time and method of pruning shrubs, but we would say that 
those blossoming before mid-summer should be pruned immediately 
after flowering, as these produce flowers on the growth of wood 
made the previous year. Those varieties which blossom after mid- 
summer produce their blooms on wood made the same season, and 
these should be pruned in eary spring, being careful not to prune too 
much, as all that is necessary is to keep the plant in nice shape. It is 
well, however, to cut out all dead wood and to remove surplus growth 
when the shrubs branch too freely, as plenty of air and sunshine is 
essential for satisfactory results. 
Small Fruits 
STRAWBERRIES 
A rich, well drained loam soil, having plenty of available humus 
and plant food is best for Strawberries. If necessary to enrich the 
soil just before planting, use only commercial fertilizer, well rotted 
compost or sheep manure, to avoid weed seeds. 
Plants. Use only the best plants. Inferior ones or those that 
have fruited once do not pay to set out. 
Planting Time. Planting from April 25th to May 15th is best 
for the Northwest. 
Setting Plants. Upon arrival dip roots into liquid mud and 
keep them moist, never expose to sunlight or wind. To set plants for 
the old matted row system, plant in rows 3 to 3% feet apart, 12 to 15 
inches apart in row. Then runners are allowed to form dense beds or 
rows. A better way is to plant 2 feet apart each way; first trim ends 
of roots slightly, spread them out fan-shape and drop each plant into 
the space made by forcing a spade straight down into the earth. Then 
work up the ear around plant and settle firmly, so crown is a trifle 
lower than the surface, but not covered. Water each plant. 
General Care. Pinch off blosoms the first year, keep beds 
weed-free and well cultivated. Train runners around parent plant like 
spokes of a wheel. Thus plants develop evenly and yield well. After 
ground freezes, cover with 4 to 6 inches of straw. 
EVERBEARING STRAWBERRIES 
The plants are not injured by late frost. If the first blossoms 
are killed by frost they immediately throw up new blossom stems. 
While these varieties will produce fruit at the same time as the ordi- 
nary Strawberries and continue to bear until frost, it is best to keep 
the blossoms removed until July 15th, so as to conserve the strength 
of the plant for the late crop. They should start to ripen the fruit 
about three weeks later and bear continuously until frost. 
' BUSH FRUITS 
All berries do best in a rich, stiff loam, rather clayey than sandy. 
The ground should be retentive of moisture, yet well drained. They 
should all be mulched after ground freezes, with straw or other coarse 
litter for Winter protection. For any leaf destroying worms use arse- 
nate of lead, Slug Shot or some other insecticide. For borers, remove 
