Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-10-03
Cultivation of stra,vberries.

AS many of our readers who reside in villages are
turning their attention to the culture of strawberries
we shau occasionally give such directions for this
business as we may find adapted to their wants In
number 80, gave some directions in regard to the
best mode OF cuivating some varieties of this excel
lent fruit. The following is selected from commu-
ncahon from Mr.. Hooker, of Rochester n Y. TO
the Hortlculturlst, and may aid some in this bus-
ness
SIN preparing the ground for planting, do not
consider 1t nessary to expend as much labor and
manure as Is commonly recommended; trenchlpq.
and the application of very large quantities of man
/ ure IS attended with more expense than many are
able and willing to bestow, who would vet desire IN
ENJOY the bOuntles Of nature in their season and who
need not be deprived Of them. As fine crop as
have ever seen raised upon soil only moderately
rich, ploughed to the depth of few inches at the
time OF planting, and no manure applied: but if re-
tanned moisture admirably and although living rath-
er low, 1t was not wet. The soil consisted of mix
ture of clay and gravel
/ Ii rery large, rather than high favored and ex-
ceent berries are desired resort must be had to hgh
manunng and deep cultivation. | have never seen
fine crop Of strawberries on sandy ground. In
such situations, they almost always lack moisture al
the time OF rlpenlng Soil in which there is pretty
large proportion Of clay, is preferable.
The various methods of cultivation which have
4
less merit; but their value depends much upon the
variety which is cultivated Some sorts produce a
great many more runners than others: and if these
are permitted TO run together In beds the plants he
come so numerous that there Is neither sufficient
moisture in the earth, nor proper amount of air
and light upon the leaves to mature the berries. If
course, the plants wither and the fruit fails por
haps the cultlyator declares his variety moor. and
dlscards it whereas, if he had cultivated the
/ n mug Faafa
well between, the difference in the product would
have convinced him, that the only proper wav to
raise strawberries was in this manner.
/ Stamlnate varieties generally produce more run
ners than the pstlates they should therefore he set
IN ro0s, between beds of pstllaes and as our hest
and most productive varieties are found amono the
latter class, this arrangement is quite satisfactory
mere are, however, some exceptions to the above
rule; as, for example, the Large Early Scaret(s STAN
ihate') whicn VIII produce hue crops in BEDS and
on the other hand; the Crimson Cone multipes so
rapidly as to injure the crop, when planted in this
manner; but generally the rule is good one.
The Boston Pine (staminate) is almost worthless
II allowed to grow IN masses A perfect proof of
TINS occurred In our grounds this season. bed
about four feet wide and thirty long, which had uros
dnced one CROP was treated as follows: strip abouf
eight inches wide was left through the middle. al
most the whole LENGTH the rest of the plants for this
distance were spaded under, and the runners kent
on from the row thus formed, while about four feet
oil one end OF the bed remained untouched. This
summer the crop upon the row was enormous,-the
plants being literally loaded with splendid fruit
whlle 10 the bed at the end, great number of drv
worthless berries testified unequivocay to the want
of water. want
ought to say that the first picking of Boston Pine
comprised nearly all that were of any yalue the late
rlpenng berries did not fill out we'll This remark
however, applies with more or less force TO all tho
large fruited stamnate varieties-the pistIIates bn
ing, as Glass; much superior in this resnoct
The Red and White Alpines are another oxon,r,.
OF the utter worhessness of some valuable sor,s
when cultivated in beds If these are kent in b;IIs
where they have an unfaing supply of moisture tbe
product will go far to convince the skentc of tho
truth of the Stoddard story Both of these y,r;a,as
WIZ produce surprising amount of berries if chilli.
waited in this manner
There is, in the mind of the community c,ao,
and growing Partially towards fruits of native or;.
gin In this feeling, too participate and fancy thai
see Just cause for it, in some of our new vareties
Oh strawberries. The most productive, highly flaw
ored and hardy varieties, cultivated, and of ma
i've origin; and prominent among these, are some If
me varieties recently introduced and raised nv M
burr, OF Columbus, Ohio His new Pine is uneoual.
led IN my estimation, by any other berry for fan;l,
use. The skin Is rather too delicate for a rnarkc,
iruit' Some other varieties, originated by Mr.. Burr
nave proved very valuable in some respects as for
example, Scarlet Melting -erceeiinglg Productive
put rather tender flesh, and not of high flavor; Co
very productive, &C. But time
ana tfai must determine their real value
wv hat 8 the matter with vonr wal -, ,,;I . -.