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THE CULTURE OF STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
Soil Requirements and Site: Strawberries 
are one of the easiest of the fruits to grow 
and there is but one secret method which 
will assure success. It is simply good land, 
good cultivation, good plants, and good sense. 
Any average garden soil can be expected to 
produce a satisfactory crop of both plants and 
fruit. However, the ideal soil for strawberries 
is a fertile, deep, well drained sandy loam. All 
the different types of soil are made more suit- 
able by adding organic matter, either in the 
form of barnyard manure of green manure 
crops. Organic matter added to the soil in- 
creases the water-holding capacity, and mois- 
ture is very essential for maximum produc- 
tion. In regions where late frosts are fre- , 
quent, much care should be taken in the selection of a site for the plants. A southern slope, be- 
ing warmer will make for an early start in growth and will cause the plant to bear fruit much 
earlier, but for that reason is more subject to late frosts. A northern slope will of course be 
later, but less likely to be injured by late frosts. In sections where frosts are not usually a 
serious hindrance, many fields of low elevation are good locations for strawberries. 
Preparation of Soil: It is very important that the soil be properly prepared. The land 
should be plowed in late winter or spring. If some cover crop has been grown, the soil will 
work up better if the soil is disced thoroughly before it is plowed. Next a harrow can be used 
so that a soft level planting bed is formed. The rows can then be marked and the plants set 
at the distances wanted. If commercial fertilizer is used, which is a very wise thing to do, the 
rows should be run out to a depth of about four inches. After the fertilizer has been distributed 
the soil is thrown back into the furrow and again leveled off with a drag. 
Types of Fertilizer: As for types of fertilizer for the plants, no kind is better than well- 
rotted stable manure or any other similar materials. It is best to apply this just before the 
land is prepared for setting the plants. Commercial fertilizers give good results and are used 
by practically all the larger growers. The grower should take great care in applying the fer- 
tilizer so as to avoid possible injury in applying before planting. It should be plowed into the 
ground thoroughly and allowed to remain in that manner at least a week before setting the 
plants. Certain types of fertilizer will prove very injurious to the plants if not put on with 
skill. Mixtures containing Nitrate of Soda, Sulphate of Ammonia or Potash Salts will injure 
the plants and often times kill them if allowed to come into contact with the roots. Any good 
commercial fertilizer can be expected to increase the yield, but it is unwise to use over 700 
pounds per acre. 
Time To Set Plants: Early spring is the best, time to plant strawberries, for even light 
frosts which do not lift or heave the ground do not injure the plants. In the early spring the 
buds of the plant are in an inactive state, and the weather is most favorable to their getting a 
strong rapid start. 
Distance To Set Plants: Plants should be set in rows 3 or 4 feet apart, or evén as much as 
4% feet if the soil is very fertile. The plants can be set 15 to 30 inches apart in the row, de- 
pending on the variety, the condition of land, earliness of setting, and the quality of plants. 
Method of Setting Plants: A trowel, spade or hoe are the tools most often used in setting 
plants, and a good job can be done with them. It is important to have the roots straight down. 
Spreading them might help a little but not much. The crown must be held just at the surface 
of the ground so that when the soil is packed back against the roots with the hand or foot, the 
bud will not be covered nor the roots exposed. 
Cultivation: The plants should be cultivated and hoed soon after they have started growth 
after being set out. It is important at the first hoeing to uncover the buds of any plants that 
may have been planted too deep. If this is not done early plants will die as a result. Cultivate 
often enough to keep the surface of the ground from becoming crusted and to keep down grass 
and weeds. It is not necessary to practice deep cultivation. A depth of 1 to 1% inches is deep 
enough for the hoe, or perhaps slightly deeper with the cultivator. Remember that one culti- 
vation made in time is much more helpful than two made after grass and weeds become bad. 
Frequent hoeing and plowing make larger, stronger fruiting beds and a better crop of berries. 
Cutting Blossoms: Fruit stems usually appear on strawberry plants soon after they are 
set in the field. These blossoms should be removed as the production of fruit is a severe strain 
on their vitality. This aids the plant in overcoming unfavorable conditions and in starting 
growth and producing runners. 


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