manure is not available, 500 to 1,000 Ibs. per acre of 5-10-5 commer- 
cial fertilizer can be used. This should be thoroughly mixed in the 
soil before planting. Strawberry roots are very susceptible to fer- 
tilizer burning if they come in contact with the fertilizer. If desired, 
part of the application can be made as a side dressing later in the 
season. 
Cultivation should be as frequent as necessary to control weeds. 
Weed control is an absolute must in growing strawberries success- 
fully. 
Newly set plants will blossom and bear fruit this season if per- 
mitted to do so. However, it is recommended that you pinch off the 
blossom clusters as they appear. This will give the plants a better 
chance to get off to a good start. 
In Northern areas strawberry beds should be mulched in the late 
Fall as soon as growth stops and before severe cold weather sets in. 
Straw or like material may be used at the rate of 2-3 tons per acre. 
Mulching does several things. It protects the crown of the plant 
from freezing injury during severe weather. It prevents the plants 
from heaving during alternate freezing and thawing spells such as 
often occur in late winter or early spring. In the spring it holds 
back development of the plants and prevents them from blooming so 
early that they are subject to frost injury. The presence of a good 
straw mulch in the spring helps to keep down weeds, conserve mois- 
ture and keeps the berries from coming in direct contact with the 
soil and becoming sandy. 
‘\ PREMIER (Howard 17) Tried and True 
Strawberry varieties come and go but Premier continues on as 
the most popular and widely grown berrry in the North. Of the va- 
rieties we grew thirty years ago, Premier is the only one we still 
have. In spite of increasing competition from newer varieties Pre- 
mier still remains one of our leading berries. 
What does Premier have that has enabled it to survive when 
other varieties, once popular, have disappeared? First of all Pre- 
mier is a sure cropper. Almost frost proof, adaptable to many soils 
and conditions Premier has a record of producing profitable crops 
year after year and this is what appeals to commercial growers who 
depend on strawberries for a livelihood. Secondly, the berries ripen 
early and thus the grower can take advantage of the good prices 
which the first berries always bring. The berries are medium to 
large in size, bright red and attractive. The first berries are often 
wedge shaped but the later ones are quite uniformly conic. The 
quality is good. 
Also Premier yields are high and the picking season long. Thus 
Premier fulfills another requisite of a good commercial berry namely 
the ability to produce an abundance of marketable berries. Premier 
berries are firm enough to be good shippers. 
Premier plants are vigorous and healthy and make a good fruit- 
ing row. 
“'TEMPLE—Bred to Fill a Need 
Temple is a good example of what modern science and plant 
breeding can do for the strawberry grower. When the red stele dis- 
ease struck a few years ago, growers in some areas were being 
forced out of business. In response to their demands, plant breeders 
went to work to develop a strawberry with all the characteristics 
needed by a good commercial berry plus resistence to red stele. 
