J. W. JONES & SON, FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA ) 
Planting Suggestions 
Every year we have numberless requests for information on the best 
method of growing strawberries. Of course, every one recognizes that this 
is a very difficult question to answer, as conditions vary so greatly in different 
localities and on different soils. Nine-tenths of all berries grown, or even 
more, are grown by the matted-row system; that is, to leave about all the 
runners on the parent plants to take root 
and make a wide row, leaving room 
enough in the alley between the rows 
for the convenience of the pickers. 
SHLECT WELL DRAINED SOIL 
The fundamental element of success 
in growing any crop is the selection of = 
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. Straw- 
berries 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 this is 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 3% to 4 feet apart 
and set plants from 15 inches to 2% feet 
apart in the rows, depending on the 
; variety. Red Star, making but few 
Fibrous Roots Guarantee plants, should be spaced about 15 inches. 
A Quick Start Blakemore, a prolific plant maker, will 
get too thick quite often if set 2% 
feet. Premier, Fairfax, Temple and most midseason kinds will unsually make 
a proper bed if planted 2 feet apart. We run our furrows with a row marker, 
sow fertilizer down the furrow at the rate of 400 to 500 pounds to the acre, 
and then make a sharp list, striking down this bed nearly level of the field 
with 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 500: 
or 600 pounds will not hurt them, provided it is well scattered and then culti- 
vated in before setting the plants. It may also be applied after setting, provid- 
ed the leaves are dry and the application brushed off at once. 
SETTING PLANTS 
There are many methods of setting the plants. No particular method 
has advantage over another except in the saving of labor. The important 
thing is to get your plants in the ground the same depth 4s they grew in the 
original bed, and to pack the dirt firmly around the roots. This done there 
is little choice as to the method of doing it. The cultivation is always im- 
portant and should be started as soon as the planting is finished. If one 

