Early planting is the most important single factor in successful 
strawberry culture. April in the North; March and April in the Central 
States. Fall set strawberry plants do equally as well or better than 
spring set plants. See article on fall set plants page 12. 
Care of Plants 
Before setting, the roots should be covered with water so that they 
may soak up all water possible. This will aid in carrying the plant until 
feeder roots can be sent out. Before and during the planting, keep plants 
protected from wind and sun, and moist at all times. If plants can- 
not be set soon after arrival, they should be removed from the crate, 
the packing material moistened, and repacked loosely. Stored in a cool, 
damp place they will keep in good condition three or four days. If 
plants must be kept longer, they should be kept in commercial cold 
storage around 32 degrees, or the bundles should be opened and the 
plants heeled in a V-shape trench. A few cautions on heeling in: spread 
the plants thinly so the soil contacts all roots, pack the soil firmly back 
in the trench up even with the crowns. Keep shaded and water thor- 
oughly, especially if weather is warm. 
Too Deep Too High Just Right 
Planting 
The important points are to have roots straight down with the 
soil packed firmly for their entire length and the crown even with the 
surface. Proper depth is very important (see illustration). Roots should 
be clipped if too long to get in straight. 
Fertilizer and Manure 
Well-rotted stable manure, compost or similar materials are very 
good for strawberries. May be applied just before soil is prepared or if 
used on the preceding crop, results are practically as good. Complete 
commercial fertilizers (approximately a 5-10-4 mixture) give good re- 
sults and are used by many successful growers. To aid the plants in 
getting a vigorous start, fertilizer may be applied broadcast and thor- 
oughly 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 of row or 700 pounds per acre is ample for this application. 
Chicken manure mixed two parts manure to one part 16% superphos- 
phate 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 mixture usually give good results. Chicken manure and com- 
ily 
