many successful growers. To aid the plants in getting a vigor- 
ous start, fertilizer may be applied broadcast and thoroughly 
worked in the soil a week ahead of setting plants, or may be 
applied as a top dressing at the first cultivation after plants 
are set. Apply evenly and brush off any that may be on the 
leaves. Six pounds per 100 feet or row or 700 pounds per acre 
is ample for this application. Chicken manure mixed two parts 
manure to one part 16% superphosphate make a satisfactory 
material. Top dressing in the late summer will usually increase 
size and yield, especially on thin soils. Five to seven pounds 
per 100 feet of row or 600 to 800 pounds per acre of a 5-10-4 mix- 
ture usually give good results. Chicken manure and commer- 
cial fertilizer are caustic. Applying evenly while the foliage 
is dry will prevent possible injury. 
Mating Varieties 
All the varieties we offer are perfect flowering and will 
produce a full crop when planted alone. Varieties will not mix. 
Mulching 
Mulching is a good practice, and is necessary in the colder 
climates. Mulch should be applied at the rate of about three 
tons per acre or beds covered two inches deep just before the 
first hard freeze, if possible. Straw, strawy stable manure, wild 
hay, marsh grass are materials commonly used. Mulching will 
prevent winter injury and heaving of the plants from freezing 
and thawing. In the spring, as growth starts, rake mulch into 
alleys where it helps to keep the berries clean and also con- 
serve moisture. 
Spraying and Dusting 
As strawberries are seldom subject to any serious damage 
from disease or insects, spraying or dusting is not commonly 
practiced. Setting healthy plants of varieties immune or resist- 
ant to disease is much more desirable. 
Distance to Plant 
Plants should be set 15 to 30 inches apart (distance should 
vary according to the bedding habit of the variety) in rows 3!% 
to 4 feet apart. | 
Plants required per acre at various planting distances: 
Rows Distance in Rows Plants Per Acre 
3% feet apart 15 inches 10,000 
3% feet apart 18 inches 8,320 
31% feet apart 24 inches 6,225 
3% feet apart 30 inches 5,000 
4 feet apart 15 inches 8,750 
4 feet apart 18 inches 7,300 
4 feet apart 24 inches 0,425 
4 feet apart 30 inches 4,375 
15 
