It is sure to be a valuable resource for both experienced and novice growers. The guide comes in a three-ring binder. Chapter 1 traces the history of the modern cultivated strawberry and provides a detailed discussion of the structure and development of the plant and the development of flower clusters and fruit. Site preparation procedures such as eradicating weeds and checking soil nutrient levels are covered, and seventeen preplant cover crops are described in detail. Production systems discussed include matted rows, ribbon rows, waiting beds, annual plasticulture, dayneutral production, and protected cultivation.
Organic production is reviewed as well.
Chapters 5 through 7 cover the management of temperature, water, and nutrients. Several strategies for temperature regulation are presented. Two types of irrigation systems, trickle and overhead, are compared, and several methods for determining when and how long to irrigate are discussed. The nutrient management chapter covers the basics and goes into detail about specific soil amendments and nutrients. The management of troublesome pests, diseases, physiological disorders, and weeds is reviewed in chapters 8 through 10.