28 
Here’s a new slant on 
getting big yields from 
EVERBEARING 
STRAWBERRIES 
from Popular Gardening 
July - 1951 
By WESLEY P. JUDKINS t 
Virginia Polytechnic Institute 
Biggest news about everbearing strawberries is that they must 
not be grown like the single crop June varieties but according to 
a brand new method which allows them to produce large crops of big, 
clean berries over a long period of time and so fulfill the promise 
of their name. 
Since no fruit is better liked, the new system (originated by 
Ksrl Michener of Burton City, Ohio, and tested and developed by 
the author) will undoubtedly be hailed by all home gardeners who 
want a large crop of late summer and fall fruit. But, the system 
must be followed faithfully. 
In the past, growers tried to raise everbearing strawberries in 
matted rows the same as June bearing sorts. Karl Michener realized | 
that everbearers cannot stand the competition of the matted rows 
and must have a cool, moist soil during the hot midsummer days when 
fruit is ripening. | 
From this conclusion the new plan was developed. It calls for a | 
different method of spacing plants, removal of runners and a sawdust 
mulch. 
For best results, everbearing strawberries should be established 
in fertile, well-drained soil. Weed control will be facilitated 
and damage from white grubs reduced if land that’s been under culti- 
vation for at least two years is used. 
Plants should be set out as early in the spring as the soil can be 
prepared. (On the west coast fall and winter as well as spring 
planting is practiced.) 
Formerly growers usually planted strawberries according to a 
system in which one row is set out and runner plants trained from 
it to make two additional rows, one on either side. 
The new system differs from this in several essential points, 
is a great improvement and is recommended for both home and com- 
mercial growers. This 4-row bed system calls for plants set one 
foot apart, in rows one foot apart. Four such rows are planted 
with a two foot alley between each four rows to provide a path 
along which to work. 
