4 WrASLIZE RR, BR OWT Ee Ris 
ground do not injure the plants. In the early spring the 
buds of the plants 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 to 4 feet apart, or 
even as much as 4% feet if the soil is very fertile. 
The plants can be set 15 to 30 inches apart in the row, 
depending on the variety, the condition of land, earliness 
of setting, and the quality of plants. 
METHOD OF SETTING PLANTS 
A trowl, 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. Spread- 
ing 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. 
Just Right 
Too Shallow 
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 cultiva- 
tion 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 unfavor- 
able conditions and in starting growth and producing 
runners. 
