The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1911-08-12
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Setting Straw
tBy LIE ROY cADY. University of MIN
The strawberry II probably the most
widely-grown fruit in the world. There
are varieties adapted to almost every
climate and condition. from Alaska to
Florida. Our cultivated kinds have
been developed from the Gillian straw
berry (Fragaria chilensis) and the
common wild strawberry (Fragaria
virginiana). Tue Alpine strawberry
(Fragaria vesca) Of Europe Is the par
emit of the ever-bearing varieties which
are coming into prominence just now
in some places. They, however. are
not as yet Of sufhcient value to de-
serve much attention. The strawberry
II one Of the first fruits on the mar
ket in the spring, and hence 10 always
welcome.
The strawberry Is propagated by
seed, by division and by offsets. In
common with other fruits. the seeds
do not come "true"-that Is. do not re-
produce plants like the parent plant;
hence, division Of the old crowns or
the use Of offsets afford the only prac-
tical methods of propagation.
Seed planting il resorted to to get
new varieties. The berries are crushed
In sand az soon as ripe. to get rid of
the pulp and juice, and the seed 10
then sown at once In a sandy loan. In
. box or open bed. The plants grow
very quickly. As soon as large enough,
they are trausplanted to a bed, four
inches apart. and left over winter.
They shouId be mulched with about
ak inches of hay or straw, a. soon az
the ground freeses. In the spring they
u.v no at IN Tho fruitinx he'd. About
one nlant in 4 thousand may prove Of
excantional value. However. many peo-
MIA ma pleasure in developing new
v.r,ettes
nvt.,on NJ the did plants ia never
mad arcent in case Of a very choice
v.rtetv that cannot readily be propa-
r,tad nv oftsets It ia too uncertain
snd .low a method PropaRatfon by
oY.et. or runners ia the best method.
The.e runners are made during the
summer and the next spring may. be
.enarated from the old plant and set
ont IN tbe permanent bed. Usually
these riot readily. II thew do not. a
little earth NAV be thrown over the tip
early in summer. to aid In roofing.
A northern slope Ia to be preferred,
AZ the plants do not start so early in
the surine. They thus escape the early
frosts and they are not 80 likely to be
dried out by the hot south and south
west winds at fruitine time. Many
vrowera however. Obtain good results
on a southern slope. in spite of the dis
advantages.
ANY land that will grow a good crop
q, corn will grow strawberries, Sod
land should never be used II 1t can be
nrevented. az It is likely to contain
er,hs and cut.worms. which will eat
IN the roots of newly.set plants.
welI.drained. friable clay loan is prob
ally hest for strawberries-a soil that
YARNS nm easily and vet will hold
sufficient moisture for the crop.
Strawberries require rich soil,
hence II ia we'll to thoroughly manure
tho land that ia to be used for the
cron in the fall and nlow under from
sonr IN s,r tncbes deem. In the spring
di.t drag and smooth thoroughly.
Thi. gives a loose soil in which to set
tha nIant, and a Arm suhsotl To hold
tha moieture and vet omen enough to
iet the root. through
nh. h... .,r. ~ 90. .,-.vherrv.
~ r. ~ .sriv snr,n. 90 soon 40 ,he
ia :. IN .ood onnds.ior and the
nIa,t. o.n he ,oht.in.d Thsr. Ia WAVE
moisture as a ruJe at that time. and