STRAWBERRY CULTURE 
Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to grow. Good land, 
good cultivation, good plants and good judgment will assure success. 
First 
Plant early in the spring, just as soon as weather conditions 
permit preparing the soil. 
3 Second 
Renew at least part of your plantings every year. A planting 
is usually considered good for two years fruiting, with proper culti- 
vation and favorable weather. Normally with second year beds, 
blossoms appear earlier and are therefore more subject to frost 
damage. Berries are usually smaller than the first year’s fruiting. 
By renewing at least part of your plantings each year you will be 
assured a more constant supply of the finest quality berries. Taken 
year after year, strawberries are the most productive and among the 
most profitable of the small fruits. Berries every year are your 
assurance of highest returns. | 
Third 
Set good plants. Quality and vitality of plants will largely in- 
fluence growth and production. Vigorous, healthy plants assure high 
yields and big returns. 
Soil 
Select good soil, well supplied with humus (cover crops, weeds, 
grass, etc.) and well drained. Land that has previously had thorough 
cultivation is best. 
Preparing the Land 
When plans can be made ahead, it is well to plow down a cover 
crop preceding planting strawberries. This will increase fertility, 
improve physical condition and also aid in retaining moisture. Plow- 
ing down weeds in the fall while green is also a good practice, adding 
humus and preventing the maturing of seed. The land should be 
plowed as early in the spring as possible and harrowed and dragged 
until a firm, even plant bed is formed; rows then marked out three 
and one-half to four feet apart. A horse-drawn marker is best with 
a large planting. Wuth a small planting a line or hoe is satisfactory. 
Time to Plant 
Early spring is the best time to set strawberry plants. Plants 
should be set as soon as the ground can be worked. Light frosts that 
do not heave the ground will not injure the plants. We cannot stress 
too greatly the importance of early planting. The plants are then 
fully dormant and the weather is most favorable to their becoming 
established. 
Early planting is the most important single factor in successful 
strawberry culture. April in the North; March and April in the 
Central States. 
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