Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-05-08
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.

Strawberries FOR FAMILY USE
An Ohio county farmer says that every
family owning small lot should have
bed Of strawberries. There are thous-
ands OF families throughout the country
who have the cOnveniences to grow all
the strawberries necessary for their fam
lilies, but who do not do it. owing to
mistaken idea that they are difficult to
manage.
Any person who has soil that will
grow potatoes can grow strawberries.
or course the richer the soil the better
the fruit and crops. Manure heavily
with well rotted manure. Ii this is not
convenient bone dust and wood ashes
will answer, hut do not pillow it in;
scatter it OH the surface, and rake or
harrow it thoroughly into the surface
soil. Strawberries being surface root
ing plants, their food should be placed
where the roots can find it. If the lot
is small and only small bed can be had,
grow i'm hills two feet apart each way.
By having the ground rich a good plant
will nearly occupy this space, and if all
the runners are kept off the fruit will
be excellent.
On farms where there is plenty of
ground, set them out so that they can
be worked with horse, 3 feet between
the rows, and Is inches between the
plants in the row. Have the ground
thoroughly worked before planting.
In procuring plants get, if possible.
such kinds as do well in your own Local
ton, and get the plants from some reli-
able party-one who will give them true
to name. Be careful in lifting, and
caring for them after they are lifted.
Do not buy plants because they are
cheap, as they often prove the dearest
Get them planted "a soon as possible
after receiving them. DO not plant too
deep; only put the roots into :he
ground, leaving the crown above. Press
the soil firmly around the roots, and if
the ground is very dry, and there is bur
little appearance of rain. give good
watering, sufficient to Wet the soil
thoroughly around the roots. THIS
done, they will start and grow without
delay. Pinch off all runners and fruit
buds for the first season. Ii is imposSi-
Die to get newly-planted plants TO pro-
ducc crop of fruit and good growth
al the same time. Work the ground
well up 10 the first of September, after
which let the plants grow undisturbed,
which will allow them TO form lots Of
roots aud good, large crowns for pro-
Gucing fruit the following season. Hav-
ing plenty. of good. healthy roots when
winter begins, they are in better con-
dition for enduring the severe weather.
Just before the ground freezes, cover
with evergreen boughs, corns;alks or
any loose material-anything which
will shade the plants at the same time,
not lying too close upon them.
A summer mulch is also nece ssary to
keep the fruit clean. This should be
put on as soon as the plants start into
growth. BY being put on rather thick
it not only then keeps the fruit clea'',
but also prevents weeds from getting
much Of Il start. A new bed should be
made every spring, when the old one
can be turned under, and a crop of late
cabbsges, celery or any late-growing
vegetable can be taken off strawberry
patch.
A few varieties for family use, which
can be planted with confidence in all
soils, are: Cumberland, Sharpless, Man.
chester, Mt. Vernon and Chas. Down
inc