The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-06-30
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CBy LIE ROY cADY. University of Min
nesota.D
The strawberry is 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). The Alpine strawberry
(Fragaria vesca) Of Europe is the par
ent of the eyer.bearing varieties which
are coming into prominence Just now
in some places. They, however, are
not as yet Of sufficient value TO de.
serve much attention. The strawberry
is one OF the first fruits on the mar
ket in the spring. ard hence is 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-
teal methods OF propagation.
Seed planting is resorted to to get
new varieties. The berries are crushed
in sand as soon as ripe. TO get rid OF
the pulp and juice, and the seed is
then sown at once in a sandy loan. in
n box or open bed. The plants grow
very quickly. AS soon as large enough.
they are transplanted to a bed, four
inches apart, and left over winter.
They should be mulched with about
six inches Of hay or straw. as soon as
the ground freezes In the spring they
may be set in the fruiting bed. About
one plant in a thousand may prove OF
exceptional value. However, many peo
pie find pleasure in developing new
varieties.
Division of the old plants is never
used except in case OF a very choice
variety. that cannot readily be propa
gated by offsets. II is too uncertain
and slow a method. Propagation by
Offsets or runners is the best method
These runners are made during the
summer. and the next spring may be
separated from the old plant and Sc,
out in the permanent bed. Usually
these root readily; IL they do not. a
little earth may be thrown over the tiT
early in summer, to aid In roofing.
A northern slope is to be preferred
as the plants do not start so early In
the spring. They thus escape the early
frosts and they are not so likely to bs
dried out by the hot south and south
growers. however. obtain good results
on a southern slope. in spite OF the dis
advantages.
Any land that will grow a good croI
of corn will grow Strawberries. 500
land should never be used IL II can bt
prevented. as IL is likely to contain
grubs and cut-worms. which will ca
of the roots OF newly-set plants.
weli-drained. friable clay loan is prob
ably best for strawberries-a soil tina
warns up easily and yet will hole
sufficient moisture for the crop.
Strawberries require a rich soil
hence II is well to thoroughly manur,
the land that is to be used for tbs
crop in the fall. and pillow under from
disk. drag and smooth thoroughly
This gives a loose soil in which to Sc
the plants. and n firm subsoil to hole
the moisture. and yet open enough L
let the roots through
The best time TO set a strawberry
bed is the early spring. as soon as th'
land is in good condition and the
plants can be obtained. There is NOR,
moisture as a rule at that time: anC
this, combined with the cool weather
of spring. gives better growing condi
tions than August planting. Plants
may also be set In the fall. II extra at
tention and care are given them. I
does not pay to set the plants in DIR,
soil or in a dry season. unless plent,
of water for irrigation purposes i.
available.
II often happens that strawberr,
plants are received in a dry or weak
ened condition. or that the soil Is no
ready for their planting. They may b,
"heeled in" or Temporarily planted II
some sheltered place. until they hav,
recovered or the land is ready to use
Cut open the bundles in which the
plants are received. dip the roots into
muddy water. and set in rows close to
gether. placing a little dirt between
the plants. so that they will not heat
Pack the soil firmly over the roots. SC
they will not dry out II the plants
have been weakened In transit. they
should be shaded for q few days until
they recover. II Ia well also to protect
them from the wind
The illustration shows three ways Of